Tehran, May 15, The Iran Project – President Hassan Rouhani trip to Kerman province, Supreme Leader receiving Tehran seminaries’ instructors, seminarians, ceremony of the 33rd International Quran Competitions in Tehran and holding Conference on JCPOA and Resistance Economy, Opportunities and Capacities with attendance of Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif dominated the country’s media outlets in the past week (May 09– May 15).

 

Politics
Iran’s missile policy not subject to negotiation: Spokesman


Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hossein Jaberi Ansari reaffirmed that the country’s missile policy is defensive in nature and will not be subject to any negotiation with any world power.


White House aide defends Iran nuclear deal push


Ben Rhodes, the White House aide who led the public push for the Iran nuclear agreement, is defending his handling of the campaign after he was quoted in a New York Times Magazine profileclaiming he created an “echo chamber” to sell the deal.


Iran’s Air Defense forces equipped with S-300 system: DM


The Iranian defense minister announced on Tuesday that the country’s Khatam al-Anbia Air Defense Base has been equipped with S-300 missile system, but at the same time added that the Islamic Republic’s indigenous air defense system will be mass produced this year.




Iran unveils Naseh drone


The latest domestic drone of Khatam al-Anbia Air Defense Base, dubbed ‘Naseh’, was put on display on Tuesday in a ceremony attended by defense minister.





AEOI chief: Iran in talks with Russia on exports of heavy water


Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Ali Akbar Salehi announced that his country is holding talks with the Russians to sell them 40 tons of its excess heavy water.


Iran’s purchase of S-300 system no breach of UN resolution: US


US State Department Spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau said Iran’s purchase of Russian S-300 missile defense system does not constitute a violation of the UN Security Council Resolution 2231.


Senate Democrats beat Republicans in Iran heavy water amendment


US Senate Democrats have emerged victorious in their efforts to block an anti-Iran amendment offered by Republicans in relation to a ban on purchase of heavy water from Tehran.


Leader: Clerics serve as guides for public opinion, social issues


Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said on Saturday that clerics are serving as guides for public opinion as they won trust of people and they listen to them patiently.


Zarif: Parties to JCPOA obliged to discharge duty tangible to people


Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Saturday that the parties to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, must discharge their obligations tangible to people so that they would feel the positive outcome.


Economy


Saudis luring oil customers away from Iran: Minister


Iran’s Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh blamed Saudi Arabia for discouraging customers from buying Iranian crude and luring them away by offering lower prices.


President: people to be informed about seizure of Iran assets


President Hassan Rouhani said the nation will be informed on the process which led to seizure of Iran assets by the US.


Iran plans 500,000-ton annual polypropylene output


Iran plans to increase its annual polypropylene output to 500,000 tones, Managing Director of the National Petrochemical Company (NPC) Marzieh Shah-Daei said.


Russia ready to get back to discussion on crude production freeze — energy minister


Russia’s Energy Ministry does not see any reasons to revise its oil production forecast for 2016, it is possible that this year oil production may exceed 540 mln tonnes.


Path cleared for Bank Mellat’s claim against UK Treasury


The English Court of Appeal, presided by Lord Chief Justice Thomas of Cwmgiedd, on Tuesday delivered its Judgment in the ongoing US$4 billion damages claim brought by Bank Mellat against HM Treasury.


Iran exports LPG to Africa by using ISO tank containers


Iran started export of its Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to African countries by using ISO tank containers, an official affiliated to the National Iranian Oil Production and Distribution Company (NIOPDC) said.


Regional Affairs


US, Russia, Iran responsible for Syria truce: Kerry


US Secretary of State John Kerry says that the United States, Russia, and Iran are all “responsible” for ensuring that both the opposition group and the Syrian government live up to the Syria truce.


Lavrov discusses Syria developments with Zarif, Kerry


Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Tuesday discussed Syria developments with US Secretary of State John Kerry and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.


UK, US, France block Russia’s bid to blacklist Syria militant groups


Britain, France, the United States and Ukraine have reportedly blocked Russia’s request to add two Syrian militant groups to a UN terror blacklist and sideline them from the Syrian peace process.


Iranians’ Hajj pilgrimage unlikely this year: Official


Head of Iran’s Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization Saeed Ohadi criticized Saudi authorities for their reluctance to facilitate the travel of Iranian pilgrims to the Arab country for the upcoming Hajj.


Takfiri terrorists, US plot against resistance: Nasrallah


Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, the secretary general of the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah, says the US and its regional allies have nurtured Takfiri and barbaric terrorist groups in the region to break the spirit of the anti-Israeli resistance.


Hezbollah senior leader Mustafa Badreddine martyred


Hezbollah announced on Friday the martyrdom of senior commander, Hajj Mustafa Badreddine in Syria.


Takfiris killed Lebanese commander Badreddine: Hezbollah


The Lebanese resistance movement, Hezbollah, says its top military commander Mustafa Badreddine was killed by Takfiri terrorist groups in Syria, adding his death will boost the movement’s resolve to fight the extremist militants.

Society
Iran committed to gender equality


Vice-President for Women and Family Affairs Shahindokht Molaverdi said the government is determined to meet its objective of guaranteeing gender equality.


Millions flocking to Karbala for Imam Hussein (PBUH) birthday anniversary


Millions of pilgrims are descending on Iraq’s holy city of Karbala to celebrate the birthday anniversary of Imam Hussein (PBUH), the third Shia Imam and the grandson of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).


Turkey, Iran vow to boost cooperation in tourism


Meeting at a joint tourism workshop in Tehran, Turkish and Iranian officials push for more flights, visits, joint efforts.


Air pollution rising at an ‘alarming rate’ in world’s cities


Outdoor pollution has risen 8% in five years with fast-growing cities in the developing world worst affected, WHO data shows.


Iranian woman elected to US Nat’l Academy of Sciences


An Iranian mathematician has been elected as member of US National Academy of Sciences, it was reported on Saturday.