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 Analysts Marie Donovan, Paul Bucala, and Caitlin Shayda Pendleton. 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.

Key takeaway: President Hassan Rouhani ordered the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran to begin “planning” the development of nuclear-powered ships in reaction to Congress’s renewal of the Iran Sanctions Act.

Rouhani directed the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) to begin “planning the design and development of nuclear propulsion for use in the field of maritime transportation” and to begin “the research and design of fuel production for [nuclear] propulsion.” Rouhani specified that the AEOI must carry out its mission “within the framework of [Iran’s] international commitments,” however. White House spokesman Josh Earnest also told reporters that Rouhani’s announcement “does not run counter to the international agreement to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.” In a separate letter, Rouhani called upon Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif to take “legal and international” measures to address America’s alleged “violations” of the deal. Rouhani issued the directives in response to Congress’s renewal of the Iran Sanctions Act (ISA), which Rouhani and other senior Iranian officials falsely criticize as a violation of the nuclear agreement. The ISA extends the president’s authority to impose existing sanctions rather than creating new ones. President Barack Obama is expected to sign the ISA into law.

AEI Must-Reads

•  Paul Bucala and Marie Donovan analyze recent changes to Iran’s military command structure in “A New Era for Iran’s Military Leadership.”
   
• J. Matthew McInnis and Ashton Gilmore argue that understanding Iran’s use of force is essential to prepare for potential crises with Tehran and develop effective strategies to respond to a modernizing Iranian military in “Iran at War: Understanding why and how Tehran uses military force.”

Regional Developments & Diplomacy

• Rouhani orders AEOI to begin “planning” development of nuclear-powered ships. President Hassan Rouhani ordered the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) to begin “planning the design and development of nuclear propulsion for use in the field of maritime transportation” in a directive sent to AEOI Head Ali Akbar Salehi. Rouhani also ordered Salehi to begin “the research and design of fuel production for use in [nuclear] propulsion.” Rouhani gave Salehi three months to create a plan to implement the directive. Rouhani issued the directive in response to Congress’s renewal of the Iran Sanctions Act (ISA) and America’s alleged “delay” in implementing the nuclear deal. Rouhani and other senior officials falsely criticize the ISA’s renewal as a violation of the nuclear agreement. Rouhani specified in his letter to Salehi that the AEOI must carry out its mission “within the framework of [Iran’s] international commitments,” however.
  • In a separate letter, Rouhani called for Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif to pursue “international and legal measures” to address America’s alleged “violations” under the nuclear agreement. Rouhani ordered Zarif to provide a report on the Foreign Ministry’s progress in one month. (Tasnim News Agency)
     
• IRGC deputy commander praises the “liberation of Aleppo.” IRGC Deputy Commander Brig. Gen. Hossein Salami praised the “liberation of Aleppo” as “the first step of the success of the army of Islam.” He stated, “God willing, the liberation of Mosul, Yemen, and Bahrain will soon be achieved.” Western news outlets reported that the Syrian government has reestablished control over besieged districts in eastern Aleppo, citing Russian Ambassador to the UN Vitaly Churkin. (IRNA) 
   
• Rouhani meets with senior Iraqi parliamentarian. President Hassan Rouhani met with Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq (ISCI) leader Ammar al Hakim in Tehran on December 13. Rouhani praised Iraq’s pan-Shia political body, the National Alliance, for “preserving and strengthening the foundations of national unity in the country.” Separately, Rouhani met with Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) Head Ramadan Shallah on December 13 to discuss regional developments. (President.ir)  (President.ir)

Casualties in Iraq & Syria

• IRGC member killed in Palmyra. IRGC Capt. Ahmad Jalali Nasab was reportedly killed in Palmyra, Syria, on December 12. He was a member of the IRGC Ali Ibn Abu Taleb unit based in Qom province. (Qasemsoleimani.ir) (Fars News Agency)

Military & Security

• Iran and South Africa sign defense agreement. Defense Minister IRGC Brig. Gen. Hossein Dehghan and South Africa’s Minister of Defense and Military Veterans Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) during Dehghan’s visit to Pretoria on December 13. The MoU is aimed at “strengthening regional and global peace, stability, security, and the fight against terrorism” as well as “cooperation in the field of maritime security.” The Artesh Navy 44th Fleet recently visited a port in South Africa during its trip along the African coast and reportedly into the Atlantic. (ISNA)
   
• Artesh Ground Forces unveil two new drones on final day of drills. The Artesh Ground Forces unveiled a new combat drone named the Shahin and a reconnaissance drone named the Oqab on the third and final day of the Mohammad Rasoul Allah 4 exercises in southeastern Iran. (Fars News Agency) (E) (Kayhan)