Iran News Round Up

The Iran News Round Up ran from February 2009-September 2018. Visit the Iran File for the latest analysis.

A selection of the latest news stories and editorials published in Iranian news outlets, compiled by the AEI Critical Threats Project's Iran research team. To receive this daily newsletter, please subscribe online. 

(E) = Article in English

Excerpts of these translations may only be used with the expressed consent of the authors

Politics

Military and Security

  • Addressing the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Clergy convention on Saturday,IRGC Commander Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ali Jafari said:
    • “The IRGC and the clergy share a common message. The goal of the IRGC and the clergy is aiding the expansion of God's religion in the framework of pure Mohammadian Islam.”
    • “The last resort of the enemies was economic pressure on the people. We are miraculously witnessing the people's support of the Revolution becoming more serious as these pressures are increasing.”
    • “If spirituality weakens in the IRGC, all other preparations will also be affected, therefore IRGC transformation must be in spirituality.”
    • “The role of the clergy is very constructive in this process. With their aid, the IRGC must continuously defend the Islamic Revolution non-conservatively and on time.”  
  • Head of the Commander in Chief Military Office Artesh Brig. Gen. Mohammad Shirazi met with IRGC Imam Hossein University Commander Mohammad Reza Hassani and the inspected university research centers. 
  • Armed Forces General Staff Headquarters Basij Affairs and Defense Culture Deputy IRGC Brig. Gen. Masoud Jazayeri criticized EU Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton's meeting with “seditionists” in Tehran over the weekend and said, “We will not permit the meddling of the West in Iran's domestic affairs whatsoever. Related officials must be careful so the negotiations do not cross into the determined limitations...It is best for Ashton to think about women's rights in the European Union.” 
  • Senior Military Advisor to the Supreme Leader IRGC Maj. Gen. Yahya Rahim Safavi met with senior IRGC Navy Forces commanders in Bandar-e Abbas to discuss regional issues and the preparations of Naval Forces.
  • Representative of the Supreme Leader to the IRGC Hojjat al-Eslam Ali Saidi also addressed the National IRGC Clergy convention. He emphasized obedience to the Supreme Leader's framework and said, “Some currents are calling hezbollahis extremists. They should interpret the meaning of extremism before anything. The Basij must also know that it has a weapon called sacred fury but must not use it everywhere.” Saidi then relayed the Supreme Leader's concern about “the country's cultural situation,” pointing out criticism of Islamic punishment law in the Aseman newspaper last month. 
  • Deputy Representative of the Supreme Leader to the IRGC Hojjat al-Eslam Abdollah Haji Sadeghi stated, “Not neglecting the enemy, increasing awareness, reliance on domestic capability and institutionalizing resistance in politics, independence and culture are the primary messages of the clergy today.” 
  • Armed Forces General Staff Headquarters Chief Maj. Gen. Hassan Firouzabadi unveiled his latest book “Discovering the Secrets of Zionism” at the National Defense University (NDU) yesterday with the attendance of Parliament Vice Chairman Hojjat al-Eslam Mohammad Hassan Abu Torabi Fard and Head of NDU Ebrahim Hassan Beigi. 

Nuclear Issue

  • Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif wrote on his Twitter page, “Understanding this matter that Iran will only accept a solution in which its dignity and nuclear rights are respected can lead to a final nuclear agreement before the summer.” 
  • International and Legal Affairs Deputy to the Foreign Minister and senior nuclear negotiator Abbas Araghchi announced that, per the Geneva Accord, the Islamic Republic “is not limited whatsoever” in importing and purchasing goods from certain countries. 

Regional Developments and Diplomacy

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