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.

Military and Security

Diplomacy

  • In an interview, Senior Foreign Policy Advisor to the Supreme Leader and Head of the Expediency Discernment Council Ali Akbar Velayati discussed the connection of recent Ukrainian events with the Syrian crisis and US and Iran relations:
    • “I believe that the reason Ukrainian developments became tense all of a sudden is related to the Geneva and Syria matter in a way. The Russians were no longer prepared to defer to America’s ordering. I had said at the time that Geneva 2 will not go anywhere and that it will hit an impasse. It turned out this way.”
    • “The Americans noticed that they will not get anywhere in these negotiations and the Russians made their own decision to support the Syrian government. In reality, the Americans made Ukraine ‘hot.’”
    • “America knows that symmetric security in the region is not possible without Iran. No country in the region is as powerful as Iran and the stability of no country is as strong as Iran.”
    • “The Americans will not be satisfied whatsoever. You saw that Ms. Sherman had said that her wish is for Iran to not have any nuclear activities. America’s President has also said that he would open the screws of Iran’s nuclear installations. This is their wish, but they cannot [achieve it]. The best interpretation is that we say these [Americans] have no choice but to surrender to the role of a ‘strong Iran’ in the region.”
    • “The red lines are non-reduction in the number of centrifuges. We will also not forego the Arak heavy water reactor and Fordo site.” 
  • Arab and African Affairs Deputy to the Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian met with his Russian counterpart Mikhail Bogdanov in Moscow to discuss the latest developments in Syria. 
  • Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif met with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe earlier today and both emphasized increased bilateral cooperation. Prime Minister Abe welcomed the preliminary agreement between Iran and the P5+1 and announced that Tokyo is prepared to cooperate with Iran on peaceful nuclear energy.  
  • Security and Enforcement Deputy to the Interior Minister Ali Abdollahi announced the Islamic Republic’s readiness to aid Kabul in holding the upcoming Afghan presidential elections and also hold a vote for Afghan refugees living in Iran. 
  • Foreign Ministry Spokesman Marziyeh Afkham called Gulf Cooperation Council allegations about Iranian interference in Bahrain “completely baseless.” She also emphasized that the three islands of Greater Tonb, lesser Tonb and Abu Musa in the Strait of Hormuz belong to Iran “forever.” 

Regional Developments

Nuclear Issue

  • Foreign Ministry Political and International Director Hamid Baidinejad is leading the Iranian delegation in the latest negotiations with the P5+1. The agenda includes enrichment, Iran and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) cooperation and the Arak heavy water reactor. The talks began earlier today and are scheduled to last through Friday, although both sides have announced that the negotiations may extend if necessary. 
  • Iranian Permanent Representative to the IAEA Board of Governors Reza Najafi addressed the IAEA Board of Governors earlier today. He stated, “Removing Iran from the agendas of the United Nations Security Council and the IAEA Board of Governors, removal of all sanctions and establishment of an international civilian nuclear cooperation are major components of a final agreement. In return, increased transparency and supervision on peaceful nuclear activities in the final agreement will strengthen mutual trust.” 

Politics

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