Iran News Round Up

 Basij Organization Commander IRGC Brig. Gen. Gholam Hossein Gheibparvar addressed growing tensions between President Hassan Rouhani and senior IRGC figures. Gheibparvar called the “weakening” of the IRGC an “unpardonable sin.” Gheibparvar stated, “It cannot be believed that the weakening” of the IRGC and the Basij is happening due to “a mistake or neglect.” Gheibparvar added that during a time when the IRGC was subject to international pressure from the U.S., Europe, and Saudi Arabia, “it is surprising that there are some within the country, too, who wish to focus their attacks on the IRGC.” (Radio Farda)

Judiciary Head Ayatollah Sadegh Larijani addressed reports of a “notable number” of electoral rule infractions that occurred throughout Iran during the recent presidential elections. Larijani’s comments follow those of Assembly of Experts Head Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati who expressed concern over the use of government institutions to benefit President Hassan Rouhani’s presidential campaign. Larijani added that these events “must be investigated.” (Radio Farda)

• Interior ministry highlights lack of transparency over government funds during elections. Interior Ministry Political Deputy Ali Asghar Ahmadi warned that “lack of transparency in the use of public and government funds [as well as] the support of some sites and newspapers” was one of the major issues of the recent elections. (Tasnim News Agency)
  

IRGC Ground Forces Deputy Commander Brig. Gen. Abdollah Eraghi stated that “the government’s first duty is the creation of security in the country, and the more powerful and capable the country’s armed forces are, the more stability exists in the society… No one can say that the armed forces don’t need to strengthened, because the armed forces are responsible for creating and maintaining society’s security.” Eraghi also stated, “regarding the process of destroying ISIS… it can be said that Syria and the area around Aleppo has been fully cleared; we hope that the peoples of Iraq, Syria, and Yemen will soon be able to thwart the enemies.” (Fars News Agency)

Health Minister Hassan Ghazizadeh Hashemi urged officials to pursue national unity amidst growing tensions between President Hassan Rouhani and conservative critics. Hashemi stressed that “if we wish to solve the problems of [our] country and the world of Islam we must make a political commitment to repair these issues… If every [institution] were to say it is independent and won’t work with other [institutions], the people’s issues will not be addressed.” (Mehr News Agency)

Mashhad Friday Prayer Leader Ayatollah Ahmad Alam ol Hoda criticized Iran's contract with Total for not serving Iranian interests, and called on the Judiciary to be "sensitive to foreign contracts.”  Alam ol Hoda also said, “The Judiciary has taken good steps in combating economic, moral, and social misconduct.” He also emphasized the Judiciary’s duty in investigating violations in the recent elections.” (BBC Persian) (Mehr News Agency)

Armed Forces General Staff Head IRGC Maj. Gen. Mohammad Bagheri stated that Iran’s enemies’ goals lie in the “weakening of the spirit of jihad and revolution and the alienation of the... next young generation from the culture of martyrdom” during a conference in Mashhad. (Mehr News Agency)

Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani praised Iran's decision to confront terrorists in Syria and Iraq, claiming that if Iran did not take this step, “terrorism would have destabilized Iran’s streets.” Larijani also emphasized that strengthening Iran’s economic capabilities is essential to the stability of the country. (Tasnim News Agency)

International affairs advisor to the Speaker of Parliament Hossein Amir Abdollahian warned Arab states allied with Saudi Arabia in a message on Twitter on July 7. Abdollahian stated, “Riyadh is not a reliable source of support for the Arabs.” Abdollahian added that “the four countries who stand beside Saudi Arabia and against Qatar will be sacrificed by the Saudis.” (ISNA)

 Culture Minister Reza Salehi Amiri emphasised that Iran will guarantee the safety of Iranian nationals who have travelled to Saudi Arabia to make the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. Amiri assured reporters that he had received “written assurances” from Saudi officials with regard to the security of Iranian nationals during the Hajj. This news follows the announcement earlier this week that Saudi Arabia has permitted Iran to provide consular services to Iranian pilgrims in the country. (Press TV) (E)

Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani stressed the importance of Iranian investment in Caspian Sea oil reserves, noting that “at a time when all countries bordering [the Caspian] are making use of its oil resources, Iran should also take advantage of the opportunity.” Larijani added that “conditions for investment are good; this project does not require the government but should be made use of by the private sector.” (ISNA)