March 10, The Iran Project - Iran needs no permission to develop missiles: Shamkhani; ‘Tehran expels Dutch diplomats to retaliate illegal expelling of Iranian ones’: Zarif; Iran is implementing commitments under nuclear deal – IAEA’s Amano; Don’t rely on EU package for resolving economic issues: Ayatollah Khamenei; Gen. Suleimani tops Foreign Policy’s list of Global Thinkers in Defense, Security field; Iran urges Europe’s practical measures to implement INSTEX; Iran’s dispute with US non-negotiable, non-compromisable; Zarif highlights growing condemnation of US sanctions on Iran; INSTEX one of European obligations vis-à-vis Iran: Deputy FM; Iraqi parl. speaker visit to Iran and meeting with senior officials; Chinese leader sends message to Ayatollah Khamenei; Supreme Leader appoints Hojj. Raisi as Judiciary Chief; JCPOA Joint Commission issues statement after Vienna meeting; Iran appoints Bahram Ghasemi as amb. to France; Iran blasts UK's 'illegal' diplomatic protection for Zaghari; Azeri FM in Tehran to hold talks with Iranian officials; Iran FM Zarif arrives in Baghdad and Zarif says he will not run for president in 2021 elections are among major headlines dominated the country’s media outlets in the past week (March 4 - March 10).

Politics

Iranian FM: FATF-related bills should be approved

Spokesman for the Independent Fraction at the Iranian Parliament, Mehrdad Lahouti revealed the presence of Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs in today’s session of the Parliament and said, “considering the extant situation in the country and solving economic problems, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif emphasized that Financial Action Task Force (FATF)-related bills should be approved.”

Iran needs no permission to develop missiles: Shamkhani

The Islamic Republic of Iran does not need any countries’ permission to develop missiles and to defend the country, said Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Rear Admiral.

‘Tehran expels Dutch diplomats to retaliate illegal expelling of Iranian ones’: Zarif

In reaction to expelling two Dutch diplomats from Tehran, Iranian Foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said that the job was done to retaliate illegal expelling of Iranian diplomats from the Netherlands.

Israel waging psychological war to affect Iran-Russia ties

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi said that Israeli officials are used to waging psychological war and making use of media hype to influence Iran-Russia ties.

Iran’s missile self-sufficiency angers US, some Western countries: FM Zarif

Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says the United States and some Western countries are angry with Iran, because the Islamic Republic has become self-sufficient in its missile industry.

Iran FM spox: Europe mission on INSTEX to visit Iran

The spokesman of Iran Ministry of Foreign Affairs Bahram Qasemi said in his weekly press conference on Monday that a European delegation is to visit Tehran to discuss Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX).

Iran is implementing commitments under nuclear deal – IAEA’s Amano

Tehran is implementing its nuclear-related commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Yukiya Amano, said on Monday.

Iran says ready to mediate between India and Pakistan

Iranian foreign ministry on Monday announced Tehran’s readiness to mediate between India and Pakistan to solve the existing tension if the two countries ask for that.

Don’t rely on EU package for resolving economic issues: Ayatollah Khamenei

In a meeting with the cabinet members on July 15, 2018, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Khamenei made important statements regarding the European Commission’s support package for Iran. These statements are published for the first time by Khamenei.ir.

Iran: John Bolton suffering from obsessive anti-Iran attitude

Iran Foreign Ministry spokesman, referring to US National Security Advisor John R. Bolton’s imminent trip to Australia to create anti-Iran consensus, said it is a usual business for him.

Gen. Suleimani tops Foreign Policy’s list of Global Thinkers in Defense, Security field

On Foreign Policy’s 10th annual special edition of Global Thinkers, Major General Qassem Suleimani, who commands the Quds Force of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has topped the list of Global Thinkers in the Defense and Security field.

Iran urges Europe’s practical measures to implement INSTEX

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi called on Europe to adopt practical measures for saving the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and intensify efforts to implement INSTEX -a payment channel that the three EU signatories to the JCPOA have set up to maintain trade with Iran in defianc

Iran’s top general urges vigilance in face of new threats

Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces called for constant vigilance to deal with modern and diversified threats posed by the enemies.

EU expresses ‘Resolute Commitment’ to JCPOA, ‘Regrets’ US pullout

The European Union expressed its “resolute commitment” and “continued support” for the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers, stressing that it will continue working with the international community to maintain the multilateral accord despite Washington’s withdrawal.

US dreams of hitting Iran never came true: Larijani

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani highlighted the US government’s endless enmity toward the country and said Washington’s dreams of undermining the Islamic Republic have never come true because of the Iranian nation’s vigilance.

Iran’s dispute with US non-negotiable, non-compromisable

President Hassan Rouhani said that differences between Iran and the United States are neither ‘negotiable’ nor ‘compromisable’.

E3+2 reiterate commitment to implement JCPOA: Schmid

Secretary General of European External Action Service Helga Schmid said that signatories of the 2015 Nuclear Deal have stressed their commitment to implement the deal.

Tehran, Baku resolved to broaden ties: President Rouhani

Iranian president stressed ties between Tehran and Baku are in direction of the desire of the two nations, and noted the completion of the South-North Rail project is of valuable national and regional cooperation.

Zarif highlights growing condemnation of US sanctions on Iran

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif highlighted the widespread criticism of American sanctions on Iran’s medical and scientific sectors by referring to a letter from scientific societies to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

INSTEX one of European obligations vis-à-vis Iran: Deputy FM

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister says that Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX)is only one of the obligations that the European parties have towards the Islamic Republic of Iran.

FM Zarif meets with Iraqi parl. speaker to discuss deepening bilateral ties
The Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and Iraqi Parliament Speaker Mohammed al-Halbusi met in Tehran on Wednesday.

Chinese leader sends message to Ayatollah Khamenei 

President of China Xi Jinping sent separate written messages to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.

Iran welcomes ‘overwhelming’ opposition against US sanctions

The Iranian president says the tide has turned against the US politics as for the first time during the last 40 years, an overwhelming majority of countries are against the sanctions reimposed by Washington on Tehran.

President: Iran not afraid of talks, but US must return to JCPOA first

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Tehran is not afraid of negotiations but stressed that the US must first return to the 2015 nuclear deal and make up for the past in order for any negotiation to take place.

Supreme Leader appoints Hojj. Raisi as Judiciary Chief

Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei in a decree on Thursday appointed Hojjatoleslam Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi as Judiciary Chief.

JCPOA Joint Commission issues statement after Vienna meeting 

A meeting of the Joint Commission of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) took place in Vienna on 6 March 2019. Under the terms of the JCPOA, the Joint Commission is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the nuclear deal.

Iranian, Indian FMs confer on regional issues

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif had a phone conversation with his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj on Thursday afternoon.

US accuses Iran of defying UN resolution, calls for tough bans

The US has accused Iran of violating the UN Security Council Resolution 2231 by testing one of its ballistic missiles and launching two satellites, urging the world body to restore “tougher international sanctions” against the Islamic Republic.

Iran appoints Bahram Ghasemi as amb. to France

Iran has appointed Bahram Ghasemi, current spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as the ambassador to France after months of diplomatic tensions between the two sides.

UK extension of diplomatic protection to Zaghari against intl. law: Iran

Tehran has lashed out at Britain for providing diplomatic protection to Iranian citizen Nazanin Zaghari, who is serving her term in Iran on espionage charges.

Supreme Leader receives members of High Institute of Jurisprudence, Islamic Sciences

Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei received members of the High Institute of Jurisprudence, Islamic Sciences late on Friday.

Iranian, Azerbaijani FMs meet in Tehran 

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and his Azeri counterpart Elmar Mammadyarov met and held talks on bilateral and regional issues on Saturday in Tehran.

Rouhani voices support to newly-appointed Judiciary head

Iranian President Rouhani in a letter to Hojjatoleslam Ebrahim Raisi has congratulated him on his appointment as head of Judiciary, saying his government is ready to cooperate with the body.

FM Zarif: Iran considers security and development of Azerbaijan as its own security and development

“Iran considers the security and development of Azerbaijan as its own security and development,” said Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif as he met with a delegation led by Azerbaijani counterpart Elmar Mammadyarov, who is on an official visit in the country.

Pres. Rouhani calls for cementing Iran-Azerbaijan ties in all fields

President Hassan Rouhani hailed the close ties between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan and stressed the importance of promoting mutual cooperation in different sectors.

Iran FM Zarif arrives in Baghdad

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif arrived in Baghdad late on Saturday at the head of a high-ranking delegation.

Zarif: Rouhani’s visit to Iraq proper opportunity for serious MoUs

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Saturday that President Hassan Rouhani’s upcoming visit to Baghdad is a suitable opportunity for concluding serious memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between Tehran and Baghdad.

Zarif says he will not run for president in 2021 elections

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Saturday certainly, he will not be a candidate in Iran’s 2021 presidential elections.

Economy

Iran Parliament binds Rouhani Govt. to raise employee salaries

Iran’s parliament Speaker Ali Larijani dismissed Sunday the government’s announcement that it would be unable to carry out a decision that binds President Hasan Rouhani’s administration to raise employee salaries during the next Iranian year, which starts on March 21.

CBI, British delegation focus on INSTEX

The British Embassy in Tehran on Tuesday announced the meeting of a delegation headed by British Ambassador Rob Macaire with officials of Central Bank of Iran on the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX).

Rasht-Qazvin railway to join INSTC today

The Qazvin-Rasht railway, stretched along the Caspian Sea in northern Iran, will connect to the International North South Transportation Corridor (INSTC) today.

India wants to keep Iran oil purchases at 300,000 barrels per day in extended waiver – sources

India wants to keep buying Iranian oil at its current level of about 300,000 barrels per day (bpd), as it negotiates with the Washington about extending a sanctions waiver past early May, two sources in India with knowledge of the matter said.

Iran not to endorse FATF bills in exchange for EU’s INSTEX

A member of the Expediency Council, Gholamreza Mesbahi Moghadam, said the country would not endorse the FATF-related bills as a prerequisite for the EU’s trade mechanism INSTEX.

 

Regional Affairs

Jamal Khashoggi’s body likely burned in large oven: Report

The body of slain Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was likely burned in a large oven at the Saudi consulate general’s residence in Istanbul, a new report revealed.

Indian, Pakistani troops exchange fire in Kashmir after brief ceasefire

Indian and Pakistani troops have exchanged fire in the disputed Kashmir region after a brief lull since a dangerous escalation between the two countries that erupted last week, Indian Defense Ministry spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Devender Anand has stated.

Houthis: UK’s Hunt distorting terms of Hudaydah ceasefire deal

Yemen’s Houthi Ansarullah movement has censured recent comments by British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt on the control of Hudaydah, saying the top UK diplomat is distorting the terms of a UN-mediated ceasefire deal reached between the Yemeni warring sides in Sweden over the strategic Red Sea port city.

Saudi king meets Russian FM in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman met Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Riyadh on Tuesday, footage on the Russian foreign ministry’s official Youtube channel showed.

Israel is Pakistan’s number-one enemy: Pakistani minister

Pakistan’s Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad Khan says his country will never recognize Israel, which he said is the Pakistani nation’s “number one enemy.”

Society

Iranian universities among world’s top 1000 universities

Iran’s Minister of Science, Research and Technology, pointing to the status of universities in international rankings, emphasized that based on one of the rankings 23 of Iran universities and 18 other universities are among top 1000 universities in the world.

Iran’s Energy Ministry, IRGC forge partnership for cloud seeding

Iran’s Energy Minister Reza Ardekanian said his organization has come up with a joint plan with the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) to carry out cloud seeding projects across the country.

IRGC dismantles major fuel smuggling band

Intelligence forces of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps have dismantled a major fuel smuggling circle, seizing more than 10 million liters of fuel.

Ayatollah Khamenei underlines protection of trees, environment

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei called for absolute prohibition of damage to trees for the purpose of constructing buildings.

Iran flag-bearer of human rights in ME: UN official

Deputy Human Rights Commissioner Kate Gilmore said that Iran is among the leading countries in the region regarding the status of human rights.