** IRAN NEWS
- Pakistani FM in Tehran to bolster ties
- Iran not to let US carrier approach territorial waters 
- Iran to open interests section in Riyadh

** IRAN DAILY
- First VP: Cushioning blow of sanctions government top priority
- Iran, India, Afghanistan hold joint meeting on Chabahar Port
- Iran: US carrier presence in Persian Gulf insignificant

** KAYHAN INTERNATIONAL
- Return of US aircraft carrier ‘insignificant’
- Bahrain summons Iraqi diplomat over Maliki criticism
- Queiroz: Iran ready for AFC Asian Cup

** TEHRAN TIMES
- Zarif, Qureshi discuss Afghan security
- Iranian film posters on display in Prague
- Former Iran and Persepolis coach Stanko Poklepovic dies

** FINANCIAL TRIBUNE
- Rouhani to submit budget bill to parliament today
- Retail investors lured by stock market gain
- Merry Christmas