May 19, The Iran Project – E3 foreign ministers discuss Iran’s nuclear announcement in Brussels; EU supports Iran nuclear deal: Mogherini; Spokesman: Iran starts declared N. deal modifications; Iran belongs to all Iranians regardless of their faith: Rouhani; Mogherini: First transaction of INSTEX to be conducted within weeks; FM: Israel, origin of all humanitarian crises in Mideast; Iran may quit JCPOA if nuclear case sent to Security Council: AEOI spokesman; Iran’s UN ambassador: Nuclear weapons are ‘Against Our Religion’; Zarif: Suspicious acts of sabotage escalating regional tensions; Leader: There will be no war with US despite tensions; Tehran officially halts some nuclear deal commitments – Reports; Rouhani: We’ll definitely pass this stage with resistance, steadfastness; Zarif reveals conspirator nature of B-Team; Iran will defeat the American and Israeli alliance: Iran defense minister; IRGC commander: Iran enemies have reached end of the line; ‘B-team’ will commit political suicide if their warmongering continues: FM Zarif; Iran not seeking escalation in region, but will defend itself: Tehran’s UN envoy; FM Zarif's visits to Turkmenistan,India,Japan,China and meeting with senior officioals; Iran’s Zarif calls for “practical steps” to save nuclear deal; US ‘sitting by the phone’ awaiting call from Iran: Official; Persepolis win Persian Gulf Pro League crown ; Envoy rejects UK warning for Iranians not to visit Iran; There will be no war in the region: Iran FM and Rouhani rules out possibility of negotiations, urges for unity amid pressure are among major headlines dominated the country’s media outlets in the past week (May 13 – May 19).


 

Politics

E3 foreign ministers to discuss Iran’s nuclear announcement in Brussels

The foreign ministers of France, Germany, and the UK are to meet in the EU headquarters in Brussels later on Monday to discuss Iran’s recent decision to stop implementing parts of its commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal.

 

Leader donates 4 billion rials for release of needy prisoners

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Khamenei has donated 4 billion rials to the Blood Money (Diya) Organisation to help the needy prisoners who have committed involuntary crimes.

 

Zarif meets Turkmenistan’s president in Ashgabat

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has met and held talks with President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow in the neighboring country’s capital on Monday.

 

US presence in Persian Gulf ‘just for show’: Khanzadi

Commander of the Iranian Army’s Navy Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi said that the presence of US naval fleet in the Persian Gulf region is just for show, deeming it “futile” and “deceptive”.

 

EU supports Iran nuclear deal: Mogherini

The European Union fully supports the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and wants rival powers to avoid any further escalation over the issue, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said on Monday.

 

National gets 10 years prison term for spying charges for UK

Judiciary spokesman Gholam-Hossein Esmaeeli said on Monday that an Iranian national got a 10-year prison term over spying charges for UK.

 

Spokesman: Iran starts declared N. deal modifications

Spokesman of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Behrouz Kamalvandi announced that his country has started implementation of measures as ordered by President Rouhani to modify Tehran’s obligations under the 2015 nuclear deal after the Europeans’ breach.

 

Neither negotiations nor surrender only resistance to work for Iran: Judiciary chief

The head of the Judiciary Seyyed Ebrahim Raeisi has said that Iran will come out victorious through pursuing its Islamic Revolution’s values, stressing that neither negotiations nor surrender only resistance will bring victory for Iran.

 

Iran belongs to all Iranians regardless of their faith: Rouhani

The Iranian president Hassan Rouhani has said that Iran and the Islamic Revolution belongs to all Iranians and followers of all religions.

 

Mogherini: First transaction of INSTEX to be conducted within weeks

European Union’s diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini reiterated Europe’s adherence to the full implementation of the JCPOA, saying that INSTEX will get up and running and have the first transactions hopefully in the next few weeks.

 

Kharrazi: US measures put multilateralism at risk of annihilation

Head of Iran’s Strategic Council on Foreign Relations Kamal Kharrazi said that multilateralism is running the risk of annihilation with the US unilateral measures.

 

FM: Israel, origin of all humanitarian crises in Mideast

Iranian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that 71 years ago an illegitimate entity called the Zionist regime of Israel was born which is today the origin of all humanitarian crises in the region, posing a real threat to international peace and security.

 

Iran dismisses Reuters speculations on details of Iran-EU talks

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Abbas Mousavi dismissed Reuters report which claims that Iran insists on exporting at least 1.5 million barrels per day (bpd) of oil for staying in the nuclear deal.

 

Iranian, Indian top diplomats discuss closer ties

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and his Indian counterpart, Sushma Swaraj, held talks on a range of issues, including ways to boost bilateral relations between the two countries in diverse fields.

 

Iran may quit JCPOA if nuclear case sent to Security Council: AEOI spokesman

A senior official of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) says the country has a host of different measures to take if its nuclear case is sent back to the UN Security Council, including quitting the nuclear deal it clinched with major world powers back in 2015.

 

Iran’s UN ambassador: Nuclear weapons are ‘Against Our Religion’

Iran’s Ambassador to the United Nations Majid Takht Ravanchi on Tuesday denied any direct or indirect involvement in the sabotage of four tankers near the Persian Gulf; he denied that Iran has plans to attack U.S. interests or U.S. troops in the region; and he defended Iran’s decision to increase stockpiles of heavy water and enriched uranium, one year after the U.S. pulled out of the JCPOA nuclear deal.

 

Zarif: Suspicious acts of sabotage escalating regional tensions

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif voiced concern over some suspicious acts of sabotage that are aimed at escalating tensions in the region.

 

Ayt. Khamenei sees no war in sight; says resistance is Iran’s absolute choice

Explaining the reasons behind Iran’s refusal to negotiate with the US, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Khamenei said Tue. that there will not be a war, stressing that resistance is Iran’s only choice.

 

Tehran officially halts some nuclear deal commitments – Reports

Iran announced the suspension of certain commitments under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the nuclear deal, earlier this month, stating that the other signatories have a 60-day period to fulfil their obligations amid the US sanctions against the country.

 

Rouhani: We’ll definitely pass this stage with resistance, steadfastness

The Iranian president Hassan Rouhani referred to the United States’ decision to stop Iran’s oil exports and disrupting non-oil exports, as well as psychological pressure, saying, “We will undoubtedly pass this stage with people’s resistance and steadfastness, and better management and planning”.

 

Zarif reveals conspirator nature of B-Team

Iranian foreign minister in a message disclosed the true nature of the B-Team in war against Iraq.

 

Trump denies US plan to send 120,000 troops to counter Iran

US President Donald Trump has rejected a New York Times report that American officials are preparing a military plan to deploy up to 120,000 troops to the Middle East to counter any threat by Iran.

FM Zarif leaves New Delhi for Tokyo

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has departed New Delhi for Tokyo upon the official invitation of his Japanese counterpart.

Iran will defeat the American and Israeli alliance: Iran defense minister

Iran will defeat the American and Israeli alliance, Iran’s Minister of Defence Amir Hatami said on Wednesday, according to the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).

Tehran not to revoke decision on JCPOA ultimatum

Chief of Staff of Iranian President Mahmoud Vaezi referred to the government’s decision to reduce some commitments to the nuclear deal (known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action), saying Tehran will not quash the decision and will move forward as planned.

Iran reminds Europe of 60-day chance to save N. deal

The survival of the 2015 nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), hinges on Europeans’ efforts in the 60-day grace period, Chairman of Iran’s Strategic Council on Foreign Relations Seyed Kamal Kharrazi warned on Wednesday.

 

IRGC commander: Iran enemies have reached end of the line

The chief commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says the enemies of Iran “have reached the end of the line” and despite their ostentatious appearance, they are suffering from “osteoporosis.”

Iran plans no changes to nuclear centrifuges, IAEA ties: spokesman

Iran has no plans to launch centrifuge machines able to enrich uranium at higher capacity or to alter its relations with the U.N. nuclear watchdog, the spokesman for its civilian nuclear agency was quoted as saying on Thursday.

‘B-team’ will commit political suicide if their warmongering continues: FM Zarif

The Iranian foreign minister has once again warned against the hostile acts of the so-called ‘B-team’, saying that continuation of such acts will lead to political suicide for them.

Leader appoints new IRGC commanders

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei promoted Brigadier General Ali Fadavi to lieutenant commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), replacing him with Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Naqdi.

Iran not seeking escalation in region, but will defend itself: Tehran’s UN envoy

Tehran’s ambassador to the United Nations says Iran will not take steps towards the escalation of tensions in the Middle East, but will stand ready to defend itself against any act of aggression, as the US builds up its military presence in the region amid tensions with Tehran.

Iran’s Zarif calls for “practical steps” to save nuclear deal

The international community and remaining signatories of Iran’s nuclear deal should act to save the accord as “supportive statements” are not enough, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif told state media during a visit to Japan and China.

Iranian, Chinese foreign ministers meet in Beijing

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi discussed a range of issues at a meeting in Beijing.

US ‘sitting by the phone’ awaiting call from Iran: Official

A senior Trump administration official says the US is “sitting by the phone” to hear from Iran, but it has yet to receive any message suggesting Tehran is willing to accept Donald Trump’s overtures for direct talks.

‘It’s US that doesn’t know what to think’: Iran’s FM says Trump, aides are split

The Iranian foreign minister suggested there is contradiction between Trump and his advisers advocating for a hardline policy towards Iran, saying the US does not seem to know what to think.

Building kilo-class submarines, destroyer high on agenda

Chief of the Iranian Defense Ministry’s Marine Industries Organization highlighted Iran’s progress in the field of marine equipment, saying that the Defense Ministry is planning to expand its homegrown destroyer and submarine flotilla.

Envoy: Iran not to start conflict, but stands up to US

Iran Envoy to the UK said Iran will not start any conflict with US but the Iranians will stand up to any US aggression.

Baeidinejad: Iranians with dual nationality can visit Iran unworriedly

Iran’s Ambassador to London Hamid Baeidinejad said on Friday that the British-Iranian nationals can visit Iran without concern, if they do not collect information for intelligence services.

EU’s “resurgence”, “studious” strive to rescue JCPOA

The latest US nails on the coffin of the nuclear agreement amid the silence of Europe led Tehran’s reciprocal action to reduce its volume of commitments.

Zarif wraps up Asia tour

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif left Beijing for Tehran on Saturday to wrap up the week-long multi-state Asia tour.

There will be no war as we don’t want war, and no can confront Iran – Zarif

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Saturday he did not believe a war would break out in the region as Tehran did not want a conflict and no country had the “illusion it could confront Iran”, the state news agency IRNA reported.

Zarif: ‘Israel First’ replacing ‘America First’ in Washington

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the policy of “Israeli first” is beginning to dominate the US ruling system and replace the proclaimed policy of “America First”.

IRGC top commander: Iran able to defeat US in intelligence war

Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Major General Hossein Salami warned of the US full-scale intelligence war against Iran, saying that Tehran will defeat Washington in this front.

Rouhani rules out possibility of negotiations, urges for unity amid pressure

President Hassan Rouhani says that Iran will never give in to bullying behavior, calling on the nation to keep their unity in the face of outside pressures.

Top council gives approval to boosting production plan

The Supreme Council of Economic Coordination agreed Sat. to facilitate domestic production sector in a session that was chaired by President Rouhani.

Economy

Shortage of essential medicines has decreased despite US sanctions

Minister of Health and Medical Education Saeed Namaki said on Sunday that shortage of essential medicines in the country has dropped in spite of US sanctions imposed against the country.

36-inch oil pipeline operational in Omidiyeh

The managing director of Aghajari Oil and Gas Production Company said the 36-inch oil pipeline of Omidiyeh, in southwest Iran, is now fully operational.

 

Chabahar port exempted from US sanctions

US Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau for South and Central Asian Affairs Alice Wells announced the US approval of Kabul application for exempting Chabahar Port from the US sanctions.

 

Reliance on oil revenues less than 30%: Veep

The Iranian first Vice-President Es’hagh Jahangiri announced on Tuesday that the country’s reliance on oil income has dropped below 30 percent.

 

‘Exporters re-inject 60% of their foreign currency earnings into economy’

The governor of the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) said so far the country’s exporters have re-injected 60 percent of their total exports revenues in the form of foreign currency into the country’s financial system, IRNA reported on Friday.

Regional Affairs

Massive explosions reportedly rock Fujairah port in UAE, oil tankers on fire

Several heavy explosions occurred early on Sunday in the port of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates, a number of media reports say. Local media reports, citing eyewitnesses, suggested that American and French warplanes have been seen flying over the port at the time of the incident.

 

Yemeni drones launch retaliatory raids against vital Saudi facilities: Al-Masirah

Seven drones run by Yemeni armed forces have reportedly carried out attacks against vital Saudi facilities in response to the Riyadh regime’s ongoing acts of aggression against Yemeni people.

 

Yemeni retaliatory drone raids on Saudi Arabia had no links to Iran: Ansarullah

A senior member of the Houthi Ansarullah movement says Yemen’s recent retaliatory drone strikes on a vital oil pipeline in Saudi Arabia were an act of self defense and had nothing to do with Iran, which the Riyadh regime and its allies falsely accuse of arming Yemeni forces.

6 civilians killed in Saudi strikes on Yemen’s capital

At least six civilians, including children, have been killed and dozens of others wounded in multiple airstrikes by a Saudi Arabian-led coalition on various neighborhoods of Yemen’s capital, Sana’a.

 

Palestinians mark 71st anniversary of Nakba Day worldwide

Palestinians marked the 71st anniversary of Nakba Day, with demonstrations and marches across the world.

 

Society

Iranian pop star Behnam Safavi passes away at 35

Iranian pop star Behnam safavi has passed away on Monday, after years of battling with cancer.

 

Reports: Wilmots appointed as Iran’s new head coach

Over to football news, Belgian Marc Wilmots has been announced as Iran’s new National Football Team head coach.

 

Heritage of Ferdowsi, savior of national identity

Abolqasem Firdowsi Tusi (c. 940–1020) has a unique role in preserving the ancient Persian language and literature with his valuable work ‘Shahnameh’ is honored as savior of national Iranian identity and glory of the past.

 

Persepolis win Persian Gulf Pro League crown

Persepolis have won their 3rd successive title in Iran’s top flight, known as the Persian Gulf Pro League, after defeating their hosts Pars Jonoubi Jam, 1-0, on the final day of the Season.

 

Heavy rain, flood hit Kalat City in northeast of Iran

Heavy flooding caused by heavy rains has damaged at least 10 houses in Kalat City in Iran’s northeastern province of North Khorasan.