Iran News Round Up

Paul Bucala and Caitlin Shayda Pendleton discuss how Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani’s death will upend Iran’s political landscape in “What Rafsanjani’s death means for the Supreme Leader’s succession.”

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Ghassemi discussed President Donald Trump’s “Islamophobic comments” during a press conference. He stated, “Contrary to the situation of previous American presidents, whose positions were clear to some extent during their election campaigns, one cannot make an accurate assessment regarding what path Trump will take.” Iranian officials have accused the West frequently of perpetuating Islamophobia. He also denied rumors regarding “behind-the-scenes negotiations between Iran and the U.S. or the relaying of a message through the Swiss Embassy… We have not had any relationship with the American government, and we do not have one today.”

• On the Astana peace talks: Ghassemi also stated that Iran, Turkey, and Russia “will observe” the Syria peace talks that began on January 23 in Astana, Kazakhstan. He noted that when necessary, the three countries will “intervene and facilitate the negotiation process.” Ghassemi added that a UN representative will also assist with managing the negotiations. He identified the stabilization of the current ceasefire in Syria as the talks’ “first priority.”  
• On Iran’s ambassador to Iraq: Ghassemi claimed that the Foreign Ministry cannot “confirm” that IRGC Quds Force Brig. Gen. Iraj Masjedi will be Iran’s new ambassador to Baghdad. Masjedi previously served as a senior advisor to IRGC Quds Force Commander Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani. (Tasnim News Agency) (Mizan Online)

IRGC Ground Forces Commander Brig. Gen. Mohammad Pakpour stated that the IRGC Ground Forces is currently developing its helicopter fleet. (Tasnim News Agency)

Tehran City Council head Mehdi Chamran defended conservative Tehran Mayor Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf against criticisms that he mismanaged the Plasco building collapse after a fire last week. State media reported that the official death toll is likely to rise to approximately 30, with at least 194 Iranians injured. Press TV reported that “many Iranians” launched a “social media campaign” questioning Ghalibaf’s competency as mayor. Mohsen Sarkhou, a reformist city council member, also called for Ghalibaf to resign over his management of the Plasco building, which officials reportedly knew did not meet safety standards. The controversy may endanger Ghalibaf’s chances in the May 2017 presidential election, in which he is considered a potential contender. (Press TV) (E) (Jamaran)

The inflation rate in Iran declined to 6.9 percent during the Persian month of Dey [December-January], according to the Statistical Center of Iran. The continuing decline in the inflation rate is a  positive development for President Rouhani’s chances in the upcoming presidential election in May 2017. (Khabar Online)