Iran News Round Up

A selection of the latest news stories and editorials published in Iranian news outlets, compiled by AEI Critical Threats Project Iran Analyst Mehrdad Moarefian and Iran Intern Amir Toumaj, with contributors Chris Rawlins, Diana Timmerman, and Marie Donovan. To receive this daily newsletter, please subscribe online.

(E) = Article in English

Official Statements

• Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a message to Hajj pilgrims attending the Disavowal of Pagans ceremony [annual Tehran-sponsored political rally] in the Desert of Arafat, Saudi Arabia. The message was read aloud by the Representative of the Supreme Leader to the Head of the Iranian Hajj Pilgrims Hojjat al-Eslam Ali Qazi Askar. Khamenei discussed the importance of Islamic unity and the Palestinian issue and warned against “American Islam”:
  • “The deceitful enemy is fanning the flames of fire between Muslims to sideline the motivations behind resistance and fighting so it can place the Zionist regime and the minions of Arrogance [West], which are the true enemies, in a safe environment. Supporting takfiri terrorist groups and their lies in the countries of Western Asia is a result of this pernicious policy. This is a warning to all of us so that we must consider the matter of Muslim unity as our highest national and international priority.”
  • “The Palestinian nation must be hopeful more than ever before, fighters of jihad must perpetuate their jihad and efforts and pursue the perennially honorable path of the West Bank with strength. Muslim nations must demand their governments’ serious and real support of Palestine, and Muslim government must take step in this path honestly.”
  • “American Islam…is an Islam that fans the flames of division between Muslims…fights the Muslim brother instead of fighting Zionism and Arrogance…It is not Islam.” (Supreme Leader)

• Interim Tehran Friday Prayer Leader Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami praised President Hassan Rouhani’s United Nations General Assembly speech, criticized the recent statements of British Prime Minister David Cameron, and reiterated red lines related to the nuclear negotiations. Khatami said:
  • “Enrichment capacity in the required amount must be secured, and the system determines this amount. Research in the nuclear field must continue. Fordo and Natanz must preserve their capacities for enrichment, and the nature of the Arak heavy water reactor must be preserved. All sanctions must be simultaneously lifted upon exiting negotiations.”
  • “Criticisms of the ridiculous statements of England’s Prime Minister must not lead to the ignoring of the President’s beneficial speech at the United Nations. These statements and measures are praiseworthy.”
  • “If the national irrigation system is reformed, water waste in agriculture, which takes 90 percent of our water, will be prevented.” (Fars News Agency)

• Qom Intern Friday Prayer Leader Ayatollah Mohammad Saidi reiterated Tehran’s red lines in the nuclear negotiations and urged the administration to reject the reopening of the British embassy in Tehran. (Tasnim News Agency)

Military and Security

• Law Enforcement Forces Commander Brig. Gen. Esmail Ahmadi Moghaddam announced that a permit has not been issued to Ansar-e Hezbollah to “confront” violators of the Islamic Republic’s public dress code. The group has recently taken initiative to enforce the state’s morality laws. Ahmadi Moghaddam stated, “Amr-e be maroof va nahy az monkar [Commanding good and forbidding evil] has three stages, per the fatwas of all senior clergy particularly the Supreme Leader: One is ‘behavioral,’ meaning that I would spread good or forbid bad acts with my behavior; the second stage is ‘verbal,’ which I would tell [someone] not to do an act or do a good act. The third stage is ‘practical intervention,’ which is in the government’s authority. Non-government officials have no right to enter the confrontation stage.” (Asr-e Iran)

Nuclear Talks

• Iran’s Permanent Representative in the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) expressed Tehran’s “concern” about “espionage” in the agency, referring to Reuters’ publication of confidential planning to hold a meeting next week. (Mehr News)

Regional Developments and Diplomacy

• Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif expressed his concerns regarding Ankara’s military intervention in Syria in a telephone conversation with his Turkish counterpart. (Alef)

• Senior Shi’a Bahraini cleric Sheikh Issa Qassem denied claims by Al Watan newspaper that he met with Iranian diplomats with regards to the upcoming Bahraini elections. (Fars News Agency)

• Palestinian Red Crescent official Salim Abu Ras announced that Iranian medical aid has arrived in Gaza. (ISNA) 

• Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim Jafari thanked Iranian support in a press conference in Baghdad, which he said is “not a secret matter.” (ISNA)

Economy

• Securities and Exchange Organization Exchanges and Markets Supervision Director Mohammad Reza Khajeh Nasiri announced plans to operationalize a currency exchange investment fund, which is “necessary to increase the presence of foreign investors.” (IRNA)

• First Deputy to the President Eshagh Jahangiri announced that the administration is “seeking to remove obstacles facing exporters and facilitate the conditions for activists in the non-oil exports sector.” He said, “There are large markets in Iran’s neighboring countries for Iranian exporters, and we must facilitate non-oil export through methods such as creating lines of credits for the destination country.” (Mehr News)