A few days back, a renowned columnist of The Huffington Post wrote that Iran has the right to obtain nuclear weapons in the situation when its two neighbors came under US attacks, killing more than 300,000 people in collateral damage, maiming hundreds of others. The fear that it could be the next US target has forced the Iranian clerics to increase the pace of working on bomb making techniques, though the US intelligence has already ruled out this likelihood, to counter any future attack a la Iraq and Afghanistan.

Now that the talks between Iranian nuclear negotiators and P-6 are going to be held in Moscow this month, Iranian negotiators have accused the EU chief negotiator not confirming the agenda for this round of talks. Iran alleges that it has right to enrich uranium to meet is energy requirements and medical needs provided it remains within the parameters set by the UN nuclear watchdog IAEA. However, the US disclosure that joining Israel, it has already launched a cyber-war against Iran to cause delay in its nuclear program have further upped the ant.

On the one hand, the United States is intending to declare any country penetrating its military or state secrets through computer networking or damaging its plans an open war, while it has also let the cat out of the bag that Stuxnet was invented and sent by the United States and Israel to cause damages in Iranian nuclear program. Another accusation by Iran has just surfaced that the IAEA inspectors are stressing upon the need to have intrusive inspection going beyond their legal responsibility, raising fears of working for western powers for spying.

Another report recently published in The New York Times also disclosed that the United States is now openly launching cyber war against Iran and it has been confirmed through various sources in Iran as well that their computers have come under a virus attack. Such intrusive acts on the part of the United States are raising further alarms of a new war in this region against another Muslim country.

In fact, all this is happening despite constant Iranian denial from both sides; government as well as the head of the guardian council that Iran does not intend to seek nuclear weapons and that it is a religious sin to acquire nuclear weapons to be used as WMD. Amid this blame game, Israel is constantly issuing threats for a military action against Iran if diplomacy fails in making any inroad over wrapping up the Iranian nuclear program. The specter of an Israeli strike over the Iranian sites and likely Iranian retaliation maybe a figment of mind, but it certainly cannot be ruled out in the existing circumstances when the US war ships are constantly patrolling in the Gulf and Arab countries are also issuing statements not good for the regional peace.

If this situation continues, it is not unlikely that another Gulf War may engulf the entire region. The post-war situation will be highly explosive and uncontrollable for the US as well as Israel. Therefore, it is required that Iran must not be terrified, but encouraged to come on the table and no conditions should be imposed until a negotiable way out is found.

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Business Etiquette in Iran

DO make appointments at least a month in advance and confirm a week before.

DON’T be late!

DO have all written business materials and business cards translated into Farsi.

DON’T take your suit jacket off without permission that’s an Iranian Muslims Etiquette.

DO be patient. Decisions are made slowly and Iranians can be tough businesspeople. They may get angry, storm out, or threaten to end the business relationship in order to get their way. Negotiations might be quite long.

DON’T be forceful or use pressure tactics. It may wind up working against you

Iranian business etiquette is rather formal, but international professionals should adhere to its rules.

Iran’s economy is thriving because of the country’s abundance of oil and gas; Iran holds almost 10 percent of the world’s oil reserves, which means Iranian professionals often do business with international counterparts. It is very important for businesspeople visiting Iran to follow the rules of etiquette to make a good first impression. Some of the rules tend to be very conservative in accordance with Muslim standards.

Professional Greetings

When in Iran, professional men usually exchange a firm handshake at initial business meetings. Men who are more familiar with one another will often exchange three hugs, on alternating shoulders, or two or three kisses, on alternating cheeks as an Iranian Muslims Etiquette.

Women can shake hands or hug one another in greeting, or kiss on the cheek; however, a handshake is still most common for first-time meetings. People who are devout Muslims, as are many Iranians, do not touch or make eye contact with members of the opposite sex in public. When doing business in these instances, greet the person with a slight bow, at a distance of at least 3 ft., or a simple nod of acknowledgement.

Professional Attire

Conservative business dress is best for both men and women when in Iran. Men should wear black or dark blue suits, with a tie in a modest pattern. It is not always necessary to wear a suit jacket in the Iranian Muslims Etiquette , as the weather is extremely warm, and business casual attire is becoming more acceptable.

Women should not wear sleeveless shirts or any attire that shows cleavage. They may wear shirts with sleeves that come to the elbow, but it’s best for women to wear long-sleeved shirts, even during the warmer months. Pants are appropriate for women in the office.

It is proper etiquette for all women, even those who are not from Iran, to wear a head scarf anytime they are in public.

Professional Titles and Business Cards

In Iranian Muslims Etiquette, professionals prefer to be addressed by their titles and last names. It is appropriate to refer to a person as “Doctor,” “Professor” or “Attorney,” followed by the person’s last name. Iranian professionals do not usually exchange business cards; however, if an international counterpart brings business cards to a meeting in Iran, he should have one side of the card translated into Farsi.

Punctuality

Professionals visiting from other countries should be on time for meetings and corporate appointments in Iran, even though the host of the meeting or the highest executive in attendance may be late.

A little small talk at the outset, such as asking about the host’s health or family, is expected in Iranian Muslims Etiquette . When business meetings stray from their stated agenda, remain patient and do not show anger.

Giving Gifts

Gifts should generally be reserved for social situations; in a professional setting, it would likely be seen as a bribe. If invited to the home of an Iranian professional, however, always bring a gift. Flowers, sweets or baked goods are appropriate.in Iranian Muslims Etiquette, alcohol is not appropriate, as Muslims are forbidden to drink it.

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Family Values

. In Iran, the family is the basis of the social structure.

. The concept of family is more private than in many other cultures. Female relatives must be protected from outside influences and are taken care of at all times. It is inappropriate in Iranian Muslims Etiquette to ask questions about an Iranian’s wife or other female relatives.

. Iranians take their responsibilities to their family quite seriously.

. Families tend to be small, only 1 or 2 children, but the extended family is quite close.

. The individual derives a social network and assistance in times of need from the family.

. Elderly relatives are kept at home, not placed in a nursing home.

. Loyalty to the family comes before other social relationship, even business.

. Nepotism is considered a good thing, since it implies that employing people one knows and trusts is of primary importance.

Public vs. Private

. Iranians see themselves as having two distinct identities: “zaher” (public) and “batin” (private).

. When they are in public, they must conform to accepted modes of behavior. It is only within their homes among their inner circle that they feel free to be themselves. Family members are always part of the inner circle in Iranian Muslims Etiquette .

. The inner circle forms the basis of a person’s social and business network. Friendship is very important and extends into business. The people from the inner circle can be relied upon to: offer advice, help find a job, or cut through bureaucracy.

Taarof (Iranian Politeness)

. Taarof is a system of politeness that includes both verbal and non-verbal communication.

. Iranians protest compliments and attempt to appear vulnerable in public.

. They will belittle their own accomplishments in an attempt to appear humble, although other Iranians understand that this is merely courtesy and do not take the words at face value.

. In adherence to taarof, if you are ever offered something, like a tea or sweet, even if you want it, at first decline it until their insistence becomes greater in Iranian Muslims Etiquette .

Dress Attire

DO understand that women are expected to wear loose clothing covering everything but their hands, face, and feet. Female travelers in Iran are also expected to abide by this dress code. In homes, Western-style clothing is acceptable in Iranian Muslims Etiquette.

DO wear pants and short-sleeved shirts if you are man. However, long-sleeves may protect you from the sun better.

DO dress conservatively for business occasions. Ties are not traditionally worn by Iranian men but they are not looked down upon.

Table Manners

DO note that in some homes meals are served on the floor without eating utensils, but in more modern homes meals will be served on a table with a spoon and fork.

DON’T sit until told where to sit.

DON’T use your left hand while eating.

DO try a little bit of everything and expect to be offered seconds and even thirds!

DO understand that refusals are considered polite and not taken seriously, so if you don’t want more food you will likely have to insist.

DO understand that restaurants will often have two sections: “family” and “men only.” “Family” is for women and their families.

DO leave a little bit of food on your plate to indicate that you are done eating.

DO note that alcohol is illegal under most circumstances in Iranian Muslims Etiquette .

Gift Giving and Accepting Gifts

DO wrap a gift nicely.

DON’T open a gift immediately.

DON’T give overly lavish gifts. Pens, art, home decor, or something from your home country are generally appreciated in Iranian Muslims Etiquette .

Greetings

DO understand that since conservative men and women do not socialize together, greetings are done only among members of the same sex. Because of this, wait for the member of the opposite sex to put their hand out for a handshake before shaking hands.

DO shake hands upon greeting or greet with an affectionate kiss.

DO greet by saying “salaam” which means hello Iranian Muslims Etiquette .

Visitors Etiquette

DO bring flowers or desserts for your hosts.

DO arrive on time. Lateness could be considered rude in Iranian Muslims Etiquette.

DO look to see if your host is wearing shoes. If they are not, take yours off before entering.

DO accept food or drink.

Socializing and Conversation

DON’T criticize Islam or the Iranian government.

DO discuss soccer (football) because it’s very popular in Iran.

DO ask about family in Iranian Muslims Etiquette , but don’t be too intrusive.

Religious Etiquette

DO understand that in order to visit a mosque or holy shrine, women should wear a chador before entering. Chadors are sort of like cloaks. If you don’t have a chador, sometimes there are kiosks where you can rent one.

DO wear long-sleeved shirts when visiting a mosque or holy shrine if you are a man.

DO remove your shoes before entering a prayer area of a mosque.

DON’T take photos of a mosque while people are praying.

DO ask before entering a room at a holy site, because some places forbid non-Muslims to enter in Iranian Muslims Etiquette .

In spite of the lengthy list of Iranian etiquette, you can always ask those around you if you are unsure what to do. Iranians are very friendly to tourists visiting their country. Just remember to be polite and conservative, and you’ll be fine! Have a safe and happy trip to Iran.

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