Iran News Round Up

A selection of the latest news stories and editorials published in Iranian news outlets, compiled by Ali Alfoneh, Ahmad Majidyar and Michael Rubin.  To receive this daily newsletter, please subscribe online.
 
(E) = Article in English

Politics

• Iran discusses parliamentarian Mohammad-Reza Bahonar's statements about Ahmadinejad and his government and adds the statements pose danger to the president. 

Diplomacy

• Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei receives Ramadan Abdullah, Palestinian Islamic Jihad general secretary:
  • "A broad and comprehensive look at the developments in Syria shows the schemes of the United States in Syria. Unfortunately, some foreign and regional countries are participating in this plot... The main goal of the machinations of the United States in Syria is to deal blows to the line of resistance [against Israel] in the region because Syria defends the Palestinian resistance and the Islamic resistance of Lebanon... Should the government of Syria promise the Americans to stop its support to the Islamic resistance of Palestine and Lebanon, all the problems will end. The only crime of Syria is support to the resistance... The Americans and certain Western countries want to avenge their recent defeats in the region, including Egypt and Tunisia, by [toppling the regime in] Syria... The position of the Islamic Republic concerning Syria is to support any reform to the benefit of the people of this country and opposition to interventions of the United States and its followers in internal affairs of Syria..." 
• Police Chief Esmail Ahmadi-Moqaddam: "The enemy created Facebook to pressure Iran so they could do away with the voice of the revolution. But [this social network] has become an instrument of exporting the revolution." 
• Rafsanjani discusses Iran/Russia relations. 

Military and Security

• Basij Commander Mohammad-Reza Naqdi comments on the presence of the United States Navy in the Persian Gulf: "Following the warnings of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army commander, the Americans wrote a letter begging [Iran]. After receiving this letter they were treated softly so they can move in the [Persian Gulf] region as long as it is expedient... The president of the United States did his best to send the letter to the authorities of the country [Iran] as soon as possible. But in reality, by doing so, he announced his defeat since he did so [sent the letter] after the warning of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army commander..." 
• According to Asr-e Iran, 11 Iranian pilgrims were kidnapped in Syria. 
• Student News Agency reports that pro-Ahmadinejad websites have been activated and are attacking the Revolutionary Guards. 
• [E] Commander of Khatam ol-Anbia Air Defense Base Brigadier General Farzad Esmayeeli announced that the country's Armed Forces have launched new radar and missile systems with various ranges. 
• [E] Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi hailed Syrian President Bashar Assad for his remarkable actions in conducting reforms in his country, and warned against any hasty move by certain states against Syria. 

Nuclear Issue

• The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in a statement announced February 21 to 22 as the date for talks with Tehran officials. 

Photos of the Day

• Khamenei receives Palestinian Islamic Jihad general secretary.