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 AEI Critical Threats Project Iran Analyst Will Fulton and Iran Intern Amir Toumaj, with contributor John Lesnewich. 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

  • Armed Forces General Staff Khatam ol-Anbia Central Passive Defense Base Inspection Deputy Brig. Gen. Mohammad Jafar Assadi addressed a memorial ceremony in Zahedan, Sistan va Baluchestan for the “Unity Martyrs” [IRGC members killed in the 2009 Zahedan bombing]. During his speech, Assadi discussed the “Down with America” slogan and obedience to the Supreme Leader:
    • “Today, the only way for the great and revolutionary Islamic Iran to move on the path of Islamic values and the failure of arrogant superpowers is absolute obedience to the velayat-e faghih.”
    •  “So long as the brave and proud nation of Iran has life in its body it will never forget the slogan ‘Down with America’ and will shout it.”
    •  “Individuals that try to eliminate the slogan ‘Down with America,’ in reality, their efforts are to allow Satan into their hearts.”
    • “The pouring forth of this slogan by the Iranian people constitutes [stating the Qur’anic passage] ‘I seek refuge with Allah from Satan the accursed.’ As his Excellency Imam Khomeini said, ‘America is the Great Satan.’”
  • Representative of the Supreme Leader to the IRGC Hojjat al-Eslam Ali Saidi talked about the two Iranian views towards solving the issues of the nation, as well as Iran’s relations with America:
    • “When the Supreme Leader presented ‘heroic flexibility,’ two points of view were created in society. Some look to solve problems with a view to the outside, and some others believe that problems must be resolved internally.”
    • On the former group: “These people say that the major problems of the country are dependent on sanctions, and while the sanctions issue is not solved, other problems will not be resolved.”
    •  “Some believe that problems must be solved with an internal look, and the reason for this is they know Iran’s influence. They say that our influence is the cause of the shrinking of the enemy which is due to our resistance. If our resistance is compromised, our influence is also lessened.”
    • “Our issue with America is not only the nuclear issue. There is a spectrum of issues which neither us nor the Americans can simply lessen, meaning we are in a state of purgatory.”
  • Earlier today, Parliament debated and passed the reformed version of the 2013-2014 budget. Planning and Strategic Supervision Deputy to the President Mohammad Bagher Nobakht praised Parliament:
  • Head of the Holding the 13th Aban [November 4; anniversary of US-Iran hostage crisis] Ceremony Central Headquarters and Islamic Propaganda Coordination Council Vice-Chairman Asqar Ab Khazar said, “Following the shameless and clear insults by the US Undersecretary of State [for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman], we will answer her outrageous statements and insults to the great Iranian nation on the 13th of Aban.” 
  • The first Down with the USA Great Awards Festival will be held this year. Participants can send various works on the topic and the first place winners will receive 100,000,000 rials [approximately $3000]. Winners will be announced on December 7, 2013. The event is sponsored by Owj Media Art Organization, Tasnim News Agency, Cyber Hezbollah, Nasr TV Channel, Basharat Organization and Saraj Cyberspace Organization. The website for the event can be found at www.dw-usa.com.
    • The report also stated that the Eleventh Cyber Hezbollah gathering will be held on November 6, 2013, focusing on cyber activities. The event will include a keynote speech by Head of the IRGC Center for Strategic Doctrine Dr. Hassan Abbasi.
  • Fars News Agency Managing Director Nezameddin Mousavi said that the media are the “front line and first trench in the soft war.” He added, “Media belonging to the Islamic Revolution’s front must form according to these circumstances. Thanks to God, we are observing that the revolutionary forces who have entered into various environments, including the media environment, have performed well. Although in the cyber environment we are far from the desired end state, revolutionary forces have in reality performed well in this scene.”
  • Assembly of Experts and Guardian Council member Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami strongly criticized the US and the West for their actions against Iran and Islam and emphasized his lack of trust in the negotiations: “To the degree that we have confidence in our government, we have that much pessimism towards Western governments and the Six Powers [P5+1]… With one look we realize that the Six Powers have a problem with Islam, not with a nuclear Iran.” 
  • Grand Ayatollah Nasser Makarem Shirazi gave a lecture in his mosque in Qom in which he called for unity within the country and support of the government:
    • “Criticism must be constructive and logical during the current conditions in which the government is busy with sensitive and important negotiations. Some things are still unclear; weakening the government is neither constructive nor correct.”
    • “The government is busy negotiating and bargaining with the Western sides. During these conditions, all officials and people of the country must be united, of one heart, and of one voice, and not be in disagreement with the peace of the country and system.”

Diplomacy and Regional Developments

Military and Security

Nuclear Issue

Economy

Photo of the Day

 

TIMELINE
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Nov '13
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