Tehran’s Daily Newspapers’ Review

Art and intelligence services occupied headlines of Tehran’s daily newspapers today. The top position was of course seized by the story of Shahram Amiri, Iranian scientist whose sudden disappearance during the religious Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia two years ago had turned into another bone of contention between Iran and the United States (and at times Saudi Arabia). Gold and Copper, a movie recently screened in Iranian theaters narrating the story of a young aspiring cleric engaged with down-to-earth life problems, had the chance to receive the appraisal of Iranian Supreme Leader –besides movie critiques- and top the headlines in newspapers.

Hamshahri

Industries Put Up With Electricity Shortage-Caused Pressures

Abducted Expert Takes Refuge in Iran’s Interests Section

Iran

After 14 Months, Shahram Amiri, Iranian Researcher Abducted in Saudi Arabia, Takes Refuge in Iran’s Interests Section in Washington

United States’ New Scandal in Intelligence Battle with Iran

President [Ahmadinejad]: With cultural power, we will stand face-to-face against enemies

Jomhouri-ye Eslami

Parliament Speaker [Ali Larijani]: Principlism is vain without the clergy

Shahram Amiri in Iran’s Interests Section in Washington

Lawyers of 60 Countries Sue the Zionist Regime

Kayhan

Ahmadinejad in National Convention of Sepah [Revolutionary Guards] Commanders: Sepah’s stout tree can stand against any storm

Financial Times: Sanctions have made no harm to Iran’s economy

Khabar

Leader of the Revolution’s Appraisal of the Movie Gold and Copper

Resalat

President [Ahmadinejad] in Assembly of Army of Guardian’s of Islamic Revolution [Sepah a.k.a IRGC or Revolutionary Guards]: Sepah is the stronghold for safeguarding the divine values

[Iranian Foreign Minister] Manouchehr Mottaki: The Russian President’s remarks [on Iran being on the verge of acquiring the capability to produce nuclear weapons] are against realities

BBC: Iran’s active diplomacy has overcome sanctions

Shargh

Iran: Medvedev beware not to be deceived

Seyyed Mohammad Khatami: Some don’t want us [Reformists] to work within the Nezam’s (1) structure

Shargh’s Interview with Deputy Minister of Trade on [the recent] Tax [controversy]: Bazaar’s demand is reasonable

Tehran-e Emrooz

Supreme Leader of the Revolution Lauds Gold and Copper

Principlist Figures’ Criticism against the President Continues

U.S. Claims Turkey’s Withdrawal from [Mediation in] Iran’s Nuclear Program

Vatan-e Emrooz

Hottest Day for Tehran’s Stock Exchange

Abducted Scientist Takes Refuge in Iran’s Interests Section in Washington: Shahram Amiri, one step afar Tehran

Leader of the Revolution’s Opinion about a Film: Gold and Copper, a movie with a sublime theme

(1) Nezam (literally meaning ‘system’) is synonymous to ‘the Islamic Republic’ in Iranian political discourse. It is mostly used by insider politicians, or those who were once known to be so (such as the self-exiled Reformists). The opposition to the Islamic Republic prefers to use rezheem (regime) which has a negative implication.

Briefing

Hamshahri (citizen) is the official daily newspaper of Tehran’s Municipality. Its general directions in politics, culture and economy are determined by the mayor of Tehran, currently Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf.

Iran is the official organ of the administration.

Jomhuri-ye Eslami (The Islamic Republic) was known as the official organ of the Party of the Islamic Republic, founded in 1979 and disbanded in 1987. Currently, it is an open critique of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s policies and is known to be a mouthpiece of Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani.

Kayhan (Universe) is a hard-line conservative newspaper. Its editor-in-chief –currently Hossein Shari’atmadari- is appointed by Iran’s Supreme Leader. Shari’atmadari’s editorials often spark off controversy and debate inside Iranian political circles.

Khabar (News) is a principlist daily newspaper which adopts a critical stance towards Ahmadinejad’s policies.

Resalat (Mission) belongs to the moderate wing of the principlist camp. Resalat’s best known anlayst is Amir Mohebbian, its political editor.

Tehran-e Emrooz (Tehran Today) is a ‘principlist reformist’ newspaper, connected to Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf.

Shargh (East) is a moderate reformist newspaper. It was the most popular and influential reformist newspaper in its first period of publication which lasted from August 2003 until September 2006.

Vatan-e Emrooz (Motherland Today) -which started its publication in November 2008-, belongs to Mehrdad Bazrpash, the thirty-old pro-Ahmadinejad politician who is also head of Iran’s second largest auto manufacturer company, Saipa. Vatan-e Emrooz is a supporter of the president’s policies.