April 2, The Iran Project – Iranians marking Nowruz, President Hassan Rouhani visit to Russia Iran marking Islamic Republic Day and Iranians celebrating Sizdah Bedar by spending time in nature dominated the country’s media outlets in the past week (March 27–April 02).
Politics
Iran’s Navy flotilla docks at India’s Cochin Port
Iranian Navy flotilla comprising “ Tunb” and “ Naqdi” warships berthed at Indian port of Cochin.
Rouhani in Moscow to discuss regional issues, bilateral ties with Putin
Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani has arrived in Moscow for a two-day official visit to discuss regional issue and matters of mutual interest with his Russian counterpart and other senior Russian officials.
Iran says Russia can use military bases ‘on case by case basis’
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif told Reuters on Tuesday that Russia could use Iranian military bases to fight terrorists in Syria on a “case by case basis.”
Iran, Russia closely cooperating on fighting terrorism: Rouhani
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says the Islamic Republic and Russia have been working closely together to fight terrorism and promote stability in the region.
Iran UN ambassador calls for destruction of all nuclear weapons
Iran’s ambassador to the UN Gholamali Khoshroo has called for the total eradication of nuclear weapons.
Iran president urges stronger global will to fight extremism
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani regrets that the world is witnessing a rise in extremism, emphasizing the need for a “strong will” in the international community to uproot terror and violence.
Foes terrified by Iran’s military, defense power: General Staff
General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces said the country’s deterrent power in the military sphere has reached such great magnitude that the enemies recoil in “strategic horror”.
No place for US in Persian Gulf: Iran’s Defense Minister
Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan likened the US to an armed robber intruding on the Persian Gulf, recommending Americans to get out of the region, after a top American military official accused Iran of playing a destabilizing role in the region.
Iran marking Islamic Republic Day
Iran is on Saturday marking the Islamic Republic Day, the day when, 38 years ago, an Islamic republic was officially declared in the country based on the results of a referendum in which Iranians overwhelmingly voted for the establishment of that political system.
Iran rejects U.S. terror claim by Mattis, blames Saudi
Iran rejected an allegation by U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis that it was “the primary exporter of terrorism” and said on Saturday that the main source was U.S. ally Saudi Arabia.
Pentagon, CIA linked to all terrorist currents: Iran’s Larijani
Islamic Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani has slammed the “brazen and disruptive” US moves in the Middle East, saying Washington has ties with all terrorist currents.
Registration of presidential candidates to begin on April 11
Ali Asghar Ahmadi, Elections Headquarters chief in the Interior Ministry said that registration of presidential candidates begins on April 11 and ends on April 16.
Economy
US ‘Should Impose New Sanctions’ on Iran’s Revolutionary Guards
The United State should impose additional sanctions on Iran specifically targeting the Revolutionary Guards Corps, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan said in a speech to the American-Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).
Iran’s trade balance positive for 2nd year
Iran’s Customs Office announced that the country has a positive trade balance for the second year in a row.
Iran interested in purchase of 100 Sukhoi Superjet planes
Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said that there is a concrete agreement between Russia and Iran for purchase for 12 planes already.
CBI gov.: Rial redenomination possible only after 2019
Central Bank Governor Valiollah Seif has said dropping few zeros from banknotes will be possible only after 2 years.
Total developing own Iran banking channels
French energy giant Total says it is trying to develop its own mechanism to carry out Iran-related banking transactions without falling afoul of US primary sanctions that still restrict doing financial activities with the Islamic Republic.
Regional Affairs
Lavrov: Separation of Syrian opposition on Iran-Russia-Turkey agenda
The Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov said on Monday that in the framework of Astana agreements, Tehran, Moscow and Ankara are trying to separate normal opposition from terrorists and bandits.
’Assad Must Go’ no more: US Gov’t shifts priorities in Syria
Washington’s priorities in Syria have changed with the new administration, and the US will no longer focus on the removal of President Bashar Assad as a condition for ending the six-year civil war, a top official said.
Unconfirmed Arab media reports: Iran’s Major General Qassem Soleimani in Syria’s Hama for major assault on Al-Qaeda
Several Arab media outlets released unconfirmed reports on Saturday claiming that Iran’s IRGC Quds Force Commander Major General Qassem Soleimani has arrived in Northern Hama to lead a major offensive against Al-Nusra Front (the Al-Qaeda’s offshoot in Syria).
US to keep pressuring Russia, Iran to bring Assad to justice – Ambassador to UN
US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley stated that Washington needs to start putting pressure on Russia and Iran to make them influence the Syrian government.
Bahrain revokes nationality of Sheikh Qassim representative
The Bahraini regime has revoked the nationality of Sheikh Abdullah al-Daqaq, a representative of distinguished Shia cleric Sheikh Isa Qassim, and two other activists.
Society
Iran’s President wears sporty outfit on casual hike
Photos have been published of the Iranian president hiking in the mountains outside Tehran while wearing a baseball cap instead of his turban.
French tourists, top visitors of Iran’s Shiraz
Mosayyeb Amiri, the General Manager of Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization (ICHHTO) office in Fars province, announced that the number of foreign visitors to Fars has increased by 221% after the nuclear deal.
China slips to 2018 World Cup qualifier defeat against Iran
The Iran men’s national soccer team has recorded another deserved victory in the third round of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification tournament, defeating China in a home game.
Sunil Doshi presents Asghar Farhadi’s ‘The Salesman’ in India
Oscar-winning Iranian film, ‘The Salesman’ by Asghar Farhadi is set for an Indian theatrical release this Friday; however, the premise of world cinema releasing in Indian theatres is still a susceptible account.
Iranians celebrate Sizdah Bedar by spending time in nature
People across Iran celebrate Sizdah Bedar, the traditional Persian festival of nature, on Sunday by spending time outdoors.
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