January 20, The Iran Project – Tehran robustly reacts to upcoming Warsaw anti-Iran conf.; Iranian FM Zarif trip to Iraq and meeting with senior officials, participating in several Business Forums; Polish Charge d’Affaires summoned over upcoming anti-Iran conf.; Iran to continue advisory mission in Syria: Leader’s adviser; Iran MP, Syria president: Tehran, Damascus resolute on strengthening strategic relations; Iran in economic war with enemy: IRGC commander; Iran FM, Iraqi Kurdistan PM discuss issues of interest; Iran has enough supplies of 20% uranium: Salehi; Iran Zarif meets with PUK SG Kosrat Rasul; Iran ambassador, Lebanese PM discuss issues of bilateral importance; Press TV anchor Marzieh Hashemi jailed in US on unspecified charges; Defense ministry hails Iran’s successful space mission; IRGC chief to Netanyahu: ‘Don’t play with lion’s tail’; Iran, Iraq hold business forum in Karbala; Mogherini not to attend anti-Iran Warsaw conf.: spokesperson; Pompeo does not have right to interfere in Iran-Iraq ties; Iran’s Army chief reaffirms unity with IRGC; ‘Same bull. Same bully’: Iranian FM trolls Bolton with #10YearChallenge tweet and EU delay in implementing financial channel unacceptable: Kharrazi are among major headlines dominated the country’s media outlets in the past week (January 14- January 20).

 

Politics

Tehran robustly reacts to upcoming Warsaw anti-Iran conf.

Iranian officials have strongly reacted to an anti-Iran conference due to be held by the US in the Polish capital of Warsaw on February 13-14, condemning it as a “desperate circus” that will disgrace the participants.

Iranian FM Zarif, Iraqi PM Abdul-Mahdi meet in Baghdad

The visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif met with Iraq’s Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdai in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad on Sunday.

Polish Charge d’Affaires summoned over upcoming anti-Iran conf.

Iranian Foreign Ministry has summoned Polish Charge d’Affaires to voice protest over the hosting of an anti-Iran, so-called ‘peace and security in Middle East’ conference by US and Poland in February.

Iran to take necessary measures against any hostile move: Spokesman

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qassemi deplored Poland’s recent decision to host a conference that the US is going to hold against Iran next month, saying that no “hostile” move by any country will go unanswered.

Iran to leave behind US sanctions with endurance

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani pointed to unilateral US sanctions against Islamic Republic specified that Iranian nation would succeed in leaving the sanctions behind.

Iran to continue advisory mission in Syria: Leader’s adviser

Leader’s top military adviser Major General Hassan Firouzabadi said that Iran’s advisory presence in Syria continues as far as Damascus is asking Tehran to do so.

Iran not to ask for anyone’s approval for launching satellites

Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi stated Iran’s right to take advantage of all kinds of technologies and said Tehran will ask for nobody’s approval or permission for launching its own satellites.

UK demand on Iranian nationals, intervention in internal affairs, totally rejected

Iranian Envoy to London Hamid Baeidinejad on Monday denounced Britain’s approach toward the issue of Iranian-British citizen who is serving her time in Iran, describing it as an interventionist act.

Iran MP, Syria president: Tehran, Damascus resolute on strengthening strategic relations 

The Syrian president and a senior Iranian lawmaker have expressed the two countries’ firm determination to continue developing decades-long strategic relations in order to serve the two nations’ interests in various fields.

Iran in economic war with enemy: IRGC commander

Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari highlighted reasons behind financial problems facing the country and said the Islamic Republic is in an economic war with the enemy.

Armed Forces always ready to face enemies: Mousavi

Commander of Iran’s Army Major General Seyed Abdolrahim Mousavi said that Armed Forces of the country are always ready to fight enemies.

Iran FM, Iraqi Kurdistan PM discuss issues of interest

Iran’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammad-Javad Zarif and Prime Minister of Iraqi Kurdistan Region met and discussed issues of mutual interests on Tuesday.

Iran Armed Forces chief of staff to visit Azerbaijan on Wed.

Chief of General Staff of Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Bagheri will head a high-ranking military delegation to the capital of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Baku, on Wednesday.

Iran has enough supplies of 20% uranium: Salehi

Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), said that Iran has enough resources of 20% enriched uranium and also that the country is able to resume its peaceful nuclear activities.

Iran Zarif meets with PUK SG Kosrat Rasul

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif held talks with Secretary General of Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) Kosrat Rasul in Sulaimaniyah on Tuesday.

Iran ambassador, Lebanese PM discuss issues of bilateral importance

Iran’s ambassador in Beirut Mohammad-Jalal Firouznia and Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri in a meeting on Tuesday discussed issues of mutual interest.

Iran unaware when Europe launches financial channel

The Spokesman of Iranian Foreign Ministry Bahram Ghasemi said on Tuesday that Europe has not yet informed when it is going to launch the promised financial mechanism known as the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) in order to help Iran continue business under US pressures.

Press TV anchor Marzieh Hashemi jailed in US on unspecified charges

Marzieh Hashemi, a journalist and anchor working for Iran’s English-language Press TV television news network, has been imprisoned in the United States for unspecified reasons.

Defense ministry hails Iran’s successful space mission

Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami hailed the efforts of scientists of Iran’s Aerospace Industries Organization (AIO), who successfully launched a domestically-built ‘Payam’ satellite into space, with ‘Simorgh’ satellite carrier.

Enemies seeking to create discontent in Iran via pressures: Minister

Iranian Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli warned of US plots to undermine the country through economic sanctions and said the enemies are seeking to create widespread discontent in Iran by increasing pressures on its people.

IRGC chief to Netanyahu: ‘Don’t play with lion’s tail’

Highlighted that Iranian military advisers and weapons will remain in Syria, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Commander warned Israeli regime’s prime minister on Wednesday that he should not ‘play with the lion’s tail’.

Iran calls for release of Press TV anchor in US custody

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Wednesday called for immediate release of Press TV anchor who is presently in the US custody.

President hails Iran’s breakthrough in space technology

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani highlighted the country’s success in launching satellites into space as a great achievement, saying trivial shortcomings will be addressed soon.

Iran, Azerbaijan ink military cooperation protocol

The Islamic Republic of Iran and Republic of Iran has signed a military cooperation protocol with Republic of Azerbaijan during the visit of Chief of General Staff of Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Bagheri to the northern neighbor.

Iran won’t sacrifice progress over ‘fake’ US, France concerns

Iran’s Foreign Ministry has dismissed as “fake” French and American concerns about the Islamic Republic’s recent strides in space technology, asserting that nothing will stop the Islamic Republic’s scientific progress.

Iran, Iraq hold business forum in Karbala

A business forum between the Iranian side and representatives from Iraq’s central and southern provinces was held Wed. morning in Karbala in the presence of Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif.

FM Zarif: Iran seeking visa waiver agreement with Iraq

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Wednesday evening that Tehran has offered visa-free entry for both Iranian and Iraqi businesspersons and is waiting for Baghdad’s approval.

Araghchi says US not trustworthy due to withdrawal from JCPOA

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Seyed Abbas Araghchi said that Iran nuclear deal displayed that the United States is untrustworthy and unreliable.

Mogherini not to attend anti-Iran Warsaw conf.: spokesperson

EU’s High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini will not participate at an anti-Iranian summit which is going to be held in Poland, said an EU spokesperson.

Pompeo does not have right to interfere in Iran-Iraq ties

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo does not have the right to interfere in Iran-Iraq issues.”

Minister: Iran to keep inflicting intelligence losses on Israel

Iran’s minister of intelligence reminded the Zionist regime of the blows it has received from Iran, saying the Islamic Republic will continue to inflict defeats on Israel in the intelligence arena.

Iran’s Army chief reaffirms unity with IRGC

Commander of the Iranian Army underscored that his forces will keep working hand in hand with the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) to foil the US and Israeli plots.

Zarif back home from Iraq

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif returned home from a five-day official visit to Iraq late on Thursday.

‘Same bull. Same bully’: Iranian FM trolls Bolton with #10YearChallenge tweet

Javad Zarif has again shown his knack for roasting US officials on Twitter, this time mocking National Security Advisor John Bolton for 10 years of calls to attack Iran.

Lebanon declines US invitation to attend Warsaw forum

Lebanese resources said on Thursday morning that Lebanon’s government has declined an invitation by the US to attend an upcoming anti-Iran forum in Warsaw.

Air Defense opens new radar site in southeast Iran

Iran’s Air Defense commander inaugurated a new radar site in the country’s southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan on Saturday.

Iranian military official warns of ISIL’s massive presence in Afghanistan

A senior Iranian military official warned that thousands of ISIL terrorists have been stationed in Afghanistan with the help of the US and certain regional states.

Veep: Iran wants friendly ties with all neighboring countries

Iran’s First Vice-President Eshaq Jahangiri said on Saturday that Iran wants friendly relations with all neighboring countries.

EU delay in implementing financial channel unacceptable: Kharrazi

e head of Iran’s Foreign Policy Strategic Council Kamal Kharrazi said Sat. the European Union’s delay in implementing the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to continue trade with Iran despite US sanctions under the pretext of their incapability of convincing European companies is unacceptable.

Iran denies ties to Afghan held in Germany for spying

Iran on Saturday denied having any link to an Afghan-German man suspected of spying for Tehran, suggesting his arrest in Germany was part of efforts to mar EU-Iran relations, the state news agency IRNA reported.

Parl. to review Guardian Council’s flaws to CFT today

Iranian Parliament will hold a session Sun. to review a report of flaws pointed out by the Guardian Council on the bill on Iran’s accession to the convention against the funding of terrorism (CFT).

Economy

Iraq underlines cooperation with Iran despite US sanctions

Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohammad Ali Hakim said on Sunday that despite US unilateral economic sanctions, his country insists on economic cooperation with the neighboring state of Iran.

Iran self-sufficient in producing power equipment after revolution: Energy

Iran succeeded in self-sufficiency following the victory of the Islamic Revolution in producing power plants and even some foreigners are seeking gas turbine technology realized by the efforts of Iranian industrialists and scientists, the Minister of Energy Reza Ardakanian said on Sunday.

EU official: SPV to be launched soon

Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will be launched in a short time, a European official said on Thursday.

Iran calls on Europe to cut tariffs for Iranian goods down to zero

An official at the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran has called on Europe to cut down to zero the tariffs imposed on the import of Iranian goods, saying the move would send a message that Europe is serious about expanding trade with Iran.

China offers Iran $3bn oilfield deal despite US sanctions: Wall Street Journal

State-run Chinese energy giant Sinopec has offered Iran a $3-billion deal on further development of an Iranian oilfield the two countries are already working on, the Wall Street Journal has reported.

Regional Affairs

US experiencing regression in ME: Lebanese Hezbollah

The visit by US officials to the region will not cover up Washington’s regression in the Middle East, , member of the executive council of Lebanon’s Hezbollah Movement recently said.

Jordan agrees to host Yemen talks about prisoner exchange

Jordan has announced that it will host a round of UN-brokered negotiations between delegates from Yemen’s Houthi Ansarullah movement and representatives loyal to former Yemeni president Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi to discuss a prisoner swap deal between the two warring sides.

Terrorist war against Syrian people no longer limited to Syria

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said the terrorist war waged against the Syrian people is no longer limited to Syria only and this underlines the importance of cementing the Syria-Russia relations at this important stage of the region’s history.

Upcoming Astana meeting to be held in 2nd half of Feb.: Moscow

Russian Foreign Ministry announced that the upcoming Astana meeting on crisis in Syria would be held in the second half of February.

Russia warns Israel against more Syria strikes

Russia has warns Israel against carrying out airstrikes near the Damascus International Airport in the Syrian capital.

Society

Boeing 707 cargo plane crashes near Tehran

A Boeing 707 cargo plane operated by Kyrgyzstan airlines crashed minutes ago while landing in Fath Airport, located in Karaj, Alborz province, 40 kilometers west of the capital Tehran.

AUT says ready to start building a second ‘Payam’ satellite

The AUT team in charge of developing the ‘Payam’ satellite has written a letter to President Rouhani voicing their readiness to start working on the construction of a second satellite after the first failed to reach orbit on Tuesday.

Iran holds funeral for victims of Army plane crash

A funeral procession was held in Tehran on Wednesday to bid adieu to the 13 Iranian army personnel killed in the crash of a Boeing 707 cargo plane on Monday.

Minister: Iran ranks 1st in science production in world

Iranian Minister of Science, Research and Technology Mansour Gholami announced on Wednesday that the country has come to stand atop other world nations in the production of different scientific contents in quantitative terms.

Big haul of heroin seized in South Iran

Iran’s Intelligence Ministry seized a big haul of heroin at a southern port destined to Europe.