February 26, The Iran Project � IRGC Ground Forces starting military drills in central Iran, holding 6th international Conference On Palestinian Intifada in Tehran, Pakistan Adviser to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz trip to Iran and meeting with senior officials, President Rouhani visit to Khuzestan province, Iran-Saudi Arabia delegations discussing upcoming Hajj pilgrimage, holding 16th Iran International Environment Exhibition and start of Massive naval drill in North Indian Ocean dominated the country�s media outlets in the past week (Feb 20 � Feb 26).

 

Politics

IRGC Ground Forces start military drills in central Iran


The Ground Forces of Iran�s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) have started�military maneuvers in Dasht-e Kavir, the country�s sprawling central desert.

Palestine conference opens in Iranian capital


The 6th International Conference in Support of the Palestinian Intifada (Uprising) has opened in the�Iranian capital, Tehran.




Iran�s IRGC unveils new anti-helicopter mines during drills


Iran�s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has unveiled a new model of anti-helicopter mines�during its recent military drills that were held in the eastern and central parts of the country.




Iranian, Saudi delegations discuss upcoming Hajj pilgrimage


Delegations from Tehran and Riyadh held the first round of talks about conditions for the dispatch of Iranian nationals to Saudi Arabia for Hajj pilgrimage later this year.




UN report indicates Iran is honoring its end of nuke deal


The U.N. agency tasked with monitoring Iran�s nuclear deal with six world powers has issued a report that indicates Tehran is honoring its end of the deal.




Iran becomes head of Group of 77


Islamic Republic of Iran in a Friday ceremony has officially become head of the Group of 77.




How Israeli media covered Iran Leader�s remarks in Palestine conference


According to a report by IFP, the sixth International Conference on Palestine Intifada was held in Tehran on February 21 and 22. Attended by more than 700 participants from 70 countries, the two-day conference was kicked off with a speech by Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Leader of Iran�s Islamic Revolution.




Foreign film Oscar nominees decry �climate of fascism� in US


The six directors whose films are nominated for best foreign language film at the Oscars decried the �climate of fascism� in the U.S. and other countries, in a joint statement two days before the Academy Awards.



Iran�s Police ready to ensure �Calm� election day in May: Police chief
Iranian Police Chief Brigadier General Hossein Ashtari highlighted his forces� vigilance and preparedness to ensure the security of the country�s upcoming presidential election and said every necessary step should be taken for having a �calm� election day.


Zarif: Iran�s military capability meant for self-defense


Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Saturday that Iran�s military capability is meant for self-defense.




Iran�s missile might for deterrence: IRGC


A commander of Iran�s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says the Islamic Republic�s missile capabilities are aimed at increasing the country�s deterrent power.





Economy




Iran average petroleum product exports hit 450kbd since March


Iran has exported an average of 450,000 barrels/d of petroleum products in the first 10 months of the current calendar year which began on March 20 2016, a senior energy official said.




Rolls-Royce plc confirms deal with Aseman Airlines


Rolls-Royce Plc, manufacturer of aerospace jet engines, has agreed to sell a further three more Tay engines to Iran�s Aseman Airlines.




Deutsche Boerse unit�s Iran ties said to face renewed probe


U.S. prosecutors are pushing forward on an Iran sanctions investigation that had languished during the multiyear period when Washington and Tehran were negotiating their nuclear pact, according to people briefed on the matter.

Expensive oil not to benefit OPEC members in mid-term: Iran


Too expensive crude oil does increase revenues of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) but would ultimately damage their economies because the rivals will increase output at high oil prices, Iranian Minister of Petroleum Bijan Zangeneh said.




Iran joins Renault, Peugeot supply chain


Iran�s RISECO and MECAPLAST of France signed a joint venture in a situation that 30-percent exports condition will be implemented for a spare part contract.





Regional Affairs




Muslim States urged to close embassies in US if Trump moves embassy to Jerusalem


The closing statement of the sixth International conference �To support the Palestinian Intifada� held in Tehran stressed that the US administration�s intention to move the Zionist entity capital into Al-Quds [Jerusalem] must draw a response from the Arab and Muslim states by closing their embassies in the United States.




Hezbollah�s Syria presence mainly war against Israeli regime


One of the most important points about Syria�s developments is the mutual influence that crisis and the Israeli regime exert on each other. The available evidences and reports show that the Israeli regime has played an essential role in supporting terrorist groups fighting against the Syrian government and the Axis of Resistance in general.




De Mistura calls on parties to Geneva talks to work toward peaceful Syria


UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura urged all parties at the intra-Syrian talks �to end horrible conflict and lay foundation for country peaceful and unified.�




Iran�s FM hails �Effectual� cooperation with Russia, Turkey on Syria


Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif described joint efforts by Iran, Russia and Turkey for peace in Syria as a useful experience, hoping that it would lead to neighboring countries� realization of the benefits of interaction.




Syria government demands opposition condemn Homs attack


The Syrian government delegation at peace talks in Geneva told the United Nations on Saturday that it wanted opposition groups to condemn an attack on security forces earlier in the day, saying that otherwise they would be considered terrorists.





Society




Ayatollah Khamenei urges swift action on environmental issues in Khuzesta


Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has called on Iranian officials to immediately address the problems facing residents of the southern Khuzestan Province, who are grappling with difficulties caused by natural phenomena.




Iran soon to debut restaurants run by robots


The first robotic complex in Iran housing a number of�domestically-built intelligent waiter�robots capable of interacting with humans is set for launch in the near future.

Iran FM urges close regional cooperation to solve environmental woes


Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says incorrect policies in the region have led to environmental problems, including desertification, dust pollution and water shortage crises.




Iranian director sends video to message to US rally


An Oscar-nominated Iranian film director has sent a video message to a rally attended by celebrities and top talent agents. It�s intended to thank the Hollywood community for its support during his boycott of the awards ceremony.




Iranian firm launches luxury train tours


An Iranian company has launched luxury train tours of the country geared toward foreign tourists.