Tehran, January 17, The Iran Project – Inauguration of South Pars 15th, 16th phases by President Rouhani, the implementation day of JCPOA announced by Zarif and Moghrini in Vienna and subsequent removal of sanctions against Iran, and presenting next budget bill by President Rouhani to Iran's parliament dominated the country’s media outlets in the past week (Jan.11-Jan.17).

 

Politics

US confirms prisoner swap with Iran
A US official announced on Saturday that Iran has released four US-Iranian dual citizens within a prisoner swap, and Washington has reciprocally freed 7 Iranian prisoners and dismissed charges against 14 other Iranian nationals previously put on the red notice list.

Sanctions imposed over Iran’s nuclear program lifted
Sanctions imposed on Iran over its nuclear program are lifted following confirmation of Tehran’s commitment to? the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

IAEA Director General’s Statement on Iran’s compliance with nuclear deal
Today, I released a report confirming that Iran has completed the necessary preparatory steps to start the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. The report was submitted to the IAEA Board of Governors and to the United Nations Security Council.

Executive order signed lifting Iran sanctions
Iran has completed the necessary steps in a deal to restrict its nuclear program, meaning international economic sanctions are lifted, officials from the EU and the U.N. nuclear watchdog agency said Saturday.

UN chief welcomes implementation day under JCPOA
The United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in a statement on Saturday welcomed the achievement of Implementation Day under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between the E3+3 and Iran.

President presents next year budget bill to Majlis
President Hassan Rouhani attended the Majlis open session this morning to present the budget bill for the country’s next year that will start on March 20, 2016.

 

Economy

Tehran Stock Exchange sets new record ahead of JCPOA implementation
In the wake of the imminent implementation of a recent nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers (known as the JCPOA), Iran’s main share index increased by 1344 units on Saturday, setting a new record after 18 months of depression.

Iran, Germany ink deal to boost agricultural cooperation
High-Ranking officials from Iran and Germany signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop cooperation between the two countries in various areas of agriculture.

Shell, Total representatives arrive in Tehran
Representatives of several world’s oil giants have traveled to Iran on the verge of the removal of international sanctions.A few days before the cancellation of international sanctions against Iran, a number of the largest oil companies including the Anglo-Dutch Royal Dutch Shell company and France’s Total Corporation have sent representatives to Iran in order to negotiation with Iranian oil authorities.

Iran Transport Minister: Deal Signed to Buy 114 Airbus Planes as Soon as Sanctions Are Lifted
Iran Transport Minister: Deal signed to buy 114 Airbus planes as soon as sanctions are lifted.

20 foreign banks say ready to work with Iran
Iran’s media has said at least 20 foreign banks have announced willingness to cooperate with the country over international transaction issues as soon as the sanctions against Tehran are lifted.

 

Military

Iran withdraws suit against Russia over non-delivery of S-300 systems

Russian Deputy Prime Minister said that Iran will recall its suit against Russia for the non-delivery of S-300 air defense systems.

Iran unveils first homegrown amphibious aircraft
Iran’s first domestically-made amphibious aircraft was put on display at a ceremony on Tuesday with Vice-President for Science and Technology Affairs Sorena Sattari in attendance.

US sailors in custody of Iran treated with courtesy: White House
‘We’ve received assurances from the Iranians, both that our sailors are safe, that they’re afforded sort of the care – sort of the proper – courtesy that you’d expect,’ White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said.

US sailors drifting into Iran waters not hostile: Spokesman
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman says the drifting of the US vessels into Iran’s territorial waters was no “hostile” act.

US aircraft made dangerous moves in Persian Gulf: Iran’s EC secretary
Secretary of Iran’s Expediency Council Mohsen Rezaei said the US military aircraft that supported the two US Navy boats captured by Iran after trespassing the country’s territorial waters on Tuesday made provocative moves, which should be legally pursued in international bodies.

White House not ruling out anti-Iran sanctions over ballistic missile test
White House cannot rule out imposing sanctions against Tehran “at any time” over its ballistic missile program.

 

Society

Music performance for women

Iranian TV, cinema and theatre actress, Hengameh Qaziani, staged her first vocal performance at Vahdat Hall on January 9.

Sanctions removal to boost tourism: VP

Vice president and head of Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization welcomed withdrawal of sanction within 48 hours saying it will result in development of tourism.

Iran to host int’l Quran competition for visually-impaired

An Iranian Quranic official said the country will host the first international Quran competition for the visually-impaired later this year.

Iran among top 4 nations with highest refugees

The latest United Nations survey on international migrant trends reports that Iran is one of the world’s four countries with the highest number of refugees.

Aydin Aghdashloo became a Knight in silence

The French Embassy in Neauphle-le- Chateau Street in downtown Tehran on Jan. 12, 2016 played host to a ceremony awarding highest of the French government decoration, the Chevalier(Knight) to renowned Iranian Painter and art scholar Aydin Aghdashloo.

 

Regional Affairs

Saudi Arabia arrests sister of jailed blogger Raif Badawi: Amnesty

Amnesty International says the sister of jailed Saudi blogger Raif Badawi has been detained, describing her arrest as “damning proof” of the kingdom’s human rights violations.

Saudi king not aware of his surroundings, report says

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud is suffering from periodic blackouts and inability to speak, a new report says.

UK reveals it’s helping Saudi-led Yemen campaign

TEHRAN (Tasnim) – British troops are helping identify targets for an Arab-led military campaign in Yemen and claim they haven’t found any “deliberate” breaches of humanitarian law, Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said.

Leader’s top aide: Saudi Arabia’s wrong policies causing regional tensions

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iranian Supreme Leader’s top adviser for international affairs Ali Akbar Velayati blamed Saudi Arabia’s unacceptable policies throughout the past years for the current standoff between Tehran and Riyadh.

Syrian FM: Russia ’10 times more efficient’ in anti-Daesh fight than US

Russia’s aerial campaign against terrorists in Syria is ten times more successful than that of the United States, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem told Sputnik.

Saudi warplanes kill 30 in NW Yemen

At least 30 people have been killed ?in a Saudi airstrike in northwestern Yemen, a day after six troops were killed at a military base of the kingdom near the border.