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Iran and Russia Sign Lucrative Oil Deal, Which Makes It Obvious Why Russia Has Been Defending Iran

Iran Focus

London, 16 Mar – An energy company in Iran has just signed a $742 million deal with Russian state-owned energy firm Zarubezhneft to increase production in two oil fields in Western Iran, which is making it pretty obvious why Russia is backing Iran’s malign activities.

At the signing ceremony of this deal, in Tehran on March 14, Iran’s Oil Minister Bijan Namadar Zanganeh said: “Increasing the production from these two fields will bring some $4 billion dollars to Iran [over the next few years]”.

Renewed Call for Justice for Prisoners Killed by Iranian Authorities

Iran Focus

London, 15 Mar – Following the recent protests and anti-government demonstrations in Iran, dozens of Iranians were killed while in custody. The Iranian regime has denied that its suppressive forces have caused any deaths, preferring instead to release very few details and make claims that the detainees committed suicide.

Families of those who have died have spoken out about the suspicious circumstances surrounding their loved ones’ death. Too add to their troubles, the Iranian authorities are harassing the families. International human rights organisations including Amnesty International have called on the regime to end its cruel campaign of harassment, but it has made no difference.

How the Firing of Secretary of State Tillerson Effects Iran and the Middle East

Iran Focus

London, 15 Mar – US President Trump and his Secretary of State Rex Tillerson disagreed on many key issues, including the nuclear deal with Iran, North Korea, dealing with Russia, and, of course, Qatar. Tillerson also had disagreements Trump’s son-in-law and senior advisor Jared Kushner, the Homeland Security Advisor, and Trump’s ambassador to the UN. It’s not surprising that Trump has fired him, but that he waited so long to do so.

Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Says If Iran Develops Nuclear Bomb, so Will Saudi Arabia

Iran Focus

London, 15 Mar – In an interview set to air on this Sunday’s “60 Minutes” Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told “CBS This Morning” co-host Norah O’Donnell that if Iran successfully develops its own nuclear weapon, Saudi Arabia will quickly obtain a nuclear bomb.

This is the first U.S. television network interview since 2005 with a Saudi leader. O’Donnell, a contributing correspondent for “60 Minutes,” asked the 32-year-old heir to the Saudi throne about the political, economic and social reforms unfolding in his kingdom.

Iranian Intelligence Agents Attempting to Smear MEK in Albania

Iran Focus

London, 15 Mar – Iran has launched a disinformation campaign about the members of the Iranian opposition group, the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), who are living in Albania.

Iran is using its agents in the Ministry of Intelligence and Albanian embassy, who are reportedly working on cultural activities, to spread fake news about the MEK and the Iranian resistance as a whole.

US Efforts to Curb Put an End to Iran’s Arming of Houthi Rebels

Iran Focus

London, 14 Mar – Speaking ahead of his recent trip to Oman to discuss the efforts made by the United States to block Iran’s arming of Houthi rebels in Yemen, US defense secretary Jim Mattis emphasised that Iran is a major threat.

In an interview with National Public Radio, Mattis said that Sultan Qaboos of Oman is a “strategic leader” that understands how the violent extremists in the region, including the Islamic State and al-Qaida, are benefitting from the chaos and disarray in Yemen. He believes that the Sultan will be able to assist in the United States’ attempts to block the extremists in Yemen, especially those fighting in the eastern side of the country, because of the risk that conflict could spill across the border.

Iran on the Verge of Renewed Uprising

Iran Focus

London, 14 Mar – The Interior Minister of Iran, Mr. Abdul Reza Rahmani Fazli, spoke about the recent protests that took place in the country.

At the end of last year, millions of people took to the streets to voice their discontent with regards to the economic situation in the country. The protests turned into anti-government demonstrations and there were thousands of people arrested and scores killed by the suppressive forces.

During Annual Fire Festival, Political Protests Continue in Iran

Iran Focus

London, 14 Mar – The Iranian National Fire Festival, known as Chaharshanbeh Suri in Persian began on Tuesday, March 13th. Reports of political activities throughout the country that have been organized by the network of the Iranian opposition People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), are widespread.

MEK supporters inside Iran called on the people, especially the youth, to demonstrate their objections to Government during the celebration of the Persian year. Leaflets and flyers in support of this call were distributed in cities a few weeks ago.

Iranian Government’s Mismanagement of Economy

Iran Focus

London, 13 Mar – The Tehran Stock Exchange was set to close the current fiscal year at the end of the month with a gain of approximately 25% in local index terms. In February, there was a record plunge in the commercial currency market which is used as an alternative to popular investment. The rate plummeted to 50,000 rial per $1 USD and officials were obliged to shut down scores of dealers.

In an attempt to divert remaining liquidity, the monetary authority issued high-interest bonds. Its own activity was criticised in the banking world for its lack of consistency with regards to intervention that resulted in months of difficulties in accessing foreign exchange.

Upcoming Protests in Iran

Iran Focus

London, 13 Mar – The fire festival of Chaharshanbe Suri is a celebration that takes place every year just before Iranian New Year, or Nowruz. Its origins are pre-Islamic and it is a tradition that Iranian government has tried to stop the people from celebrating.

Iranian people jump over fires which symbolises purification. The tradition is to prepare the people for the new year.

Activists in Iran have chosen to hold anti-government demonstrations on the same day.