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 Mehrdad Moarefian, Marie Donovan, Paul Bucala, with contributors Ryan Melvin and Mondona Salahshoor.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: IRGC Brigadier General Gholam Reza Jalali announced the formation of the Cyber Defense Center.

Head of the Passive Defense Organization IRGC Brigadier General Jalali announced the creation of the “Cyber Defense Center…in order to…respond to cyber threats.” Jalili stated that the Cyber Defense Center “will be operational in one month.” He also claimed that “America is the most vulnerable country in the world in cyberspace, because all of the country’s infrastructure is cyber…”

IRGC Commander Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari highlighted that “with usual and conventional methods,” the IRGC would not be able to perform its role “to predict, prevent, and destroy soft threats.” Jafari also admitted that domestic adherence to the values of the Islamic Revolution is “in need of work.” Jafari’s comments express the state of the IRGC’s missions to guard the Islamic Revolution at home and export it abroad. 

Official Statements

• Rouhani reassures Iranians that the negotiating team is safeguarding national interests. President Hassan Rouhani addressed a large gathering on June 14 in Bojnurd, North Khorasan province. Rouhani reiterated his commitment to a policy “path of moderation, rationality, and wisdom.” He also reassured the domestic audience that the nuclear negotiating team is observing the Supreme Leader’s “redlines in the nuclear talks with the world powers [P5+1].”Rouhani stressed that he is committed to Iran’s development and will oppose those who seek benefits under sanctions. He added:
  • “The removal of all sanctions and resolutions of the UN, maintaining nuclear enrichment as well as research and development in nuclear technology are some of our redlines in these negotiations that are being observed by the [P5+1] negotiators.”
  • “Although these sanctions have created some obstacles in the way of foreign investment, we will pass through these difficulties with the help of people.”
  • “A good atmosphere is prevalent in the country for investment… security is not limited to physical security, but calm economic conditions are also a kind of security.”
  • “The government is not using negotiations for removal of sanctions as a tool to amuse people but it is doing its best to remove the embargos in the UN.”
  • “…those [Iranian hardliners] who suppose sanctions are unimportant are not aware of the people's pocket. Those who are against negotiations are ill-wishers who imported goods from abroad 10-15 percent higher than the normal price.” (President.ir) http://president.ir/fa/87587
     
• Jazayeri: Foreign access to any military sites will be denied. IRGC Brig. Gen. Massoud Jazayeri reasserted that foreign inspections of military sites threaten national security and will not be permitted. The Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces comments echoed Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei’s earlier statements on military site inspections as part of a final nuclear deal. (Tasnim News Agency) (E)
  http://www.tasnimnews.com/english/Home/Single/769630
   
• Shamkhani: Israel and the West are supporting ISIS to deflect attention away from Palestine. Ali Shamkhani stated that Israel and the West are supporting ISIS in order to diminish the power of the Islamic ummah (community) and prevent it from focusing on the crucial issue of Palestine. The Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) also stated that the Islamic Republic continues to have the highest levels of security in the region as ISIS conducts terrorism in neighboring countries.  (Press TV) (E) http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2015/06/15/415899/Iran-Shamkhani-West-Israel-ISIL-Takfiris-Palestine 

Military and Security

• Jalali announces creation of Cyber Defense Center.  IRGC Brig. Gen. Gholam Reza Jalali “…announced the establishment of a Cyber Defense Center in the Armed Forces.” Speaking at a press conference, The Head of the Passive Defense Organization stated that the Cyber Defense Center – which he also referred to as the “Cyberspace Control Center” – is being built “in order to deal with and respond to cyber threats.” Jalili also stated the Center “will be operational in one month…” He added:
  • “We have designed and produced a national SCADA system, which is the national security border in cyber space, and can be used in the electricity, gas, nuclear…and oil fields.”
  • “Today, 23 countries have formed offensive and defensive mechanisms in cyberspace, and pursue cyber-attacks and defenses in order to protect their interests; it is now possible to attack the infrastructure of a country in order to threaten its national security, in the world and in the field of cyber security.”
  • “America is the most vulnerable country in the world in cyberspace, because all of the country’s infrastructure is cyber…” He also stated, “On the other hand, the Americans are trying to use their military and economic power for deterrence in cyberspace.”
  • “No official action between Iran and other countries [related to cyber cooperation] has been carried out. Of course, during the meetings of the Iranian and Russian Defense Ministers, agreements have been made in the field of cyber defense.” (Sepah News) http://www.sepahnews.com/shownews.Aspx?ID=36e7717b-1fcd-4388-980a-20c24c97ee4c

• Jafari: “The nature of military threats is constantly in flux.” IRGC Commander Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ali Jafari said that the Iranian military must improve its defensive preparations, training, and equipment constantly. Jafari stressed that the IRGC “is expected” “to predict, prevent, and destroy soft threats.” Jafari commented that “with usual and conventional methods” the IRGC would not be able to perform this role. Jafari also claimed that the “external [Islamic] Revolution is expanding…but the domestic dimensions [of the Islamic Revolution] are in need of more work.” (Sepah News) http://sepahnews.com/shownews.Aspx?ID=a4145b6a-cc78-459d-a73d-6a5c4698c3a1
   
• Senior Iranian official travels to China to promote joint cyber cooperation. Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mahmoud Vaezi met with Minister Lu Wei, Head of the Cyberspace Administration of the People’s Republic of China. The two discussed strengthening bilateral relations in various fields, specifically in cyberspace and information technology. (Gerdab) http://www.gerdab.ir/fa/news/13736/%D9%87%D9%85%DA%A9%D8%A7%D8%B1%DB%8C-%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86-%D9%88-%DA%86%DB%8C%D9%86-%D8%A8%D8%B1%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D9%85%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%A8%D9%84%D9%87-%D8%A8%D8%A7-%D8%AA%D9%87%D8%AF%DB%8C%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D9%81%D8%B6%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D9%85%D8%AC%D8%A7%D8%B2%DB%8C
   
• Intelligence Minister underlines that armed forces are capable of safeguarding national security. Mahmoud Alavi stated Saturday that the country's borders are safe, and that firm and appropriate action would be taken against any threat. The Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) Head added that Iran has closely monitored the movements of ISIS, preventing the terrorists from entering the country. (Fars News Agency) (E) http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940324000268

Regional Developments and Diplomacy

• Abdollahian: Houthis can take over Yemen. Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian said that the Houthis have the ability to seize the entire country “but they don’t want to conquer Yemen and are strenuously fighting [ISIS] and al Qaeda militarily…there will be no problem in Yemen if the Saudi attacks stop.” Abdollahian also said that ISIS is conducting cross border operations into Saudi Arabia. (IRNA) (E) http://www.irna.ir/en/News/81646333/

• Abdollahian to attend meeting in Saudi Arabia pertaining to situation in Yemen. Deputy Foreign Minister Abdollahian departed Monday for Saudi Arabia in order to attend the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) emergency ministerial meeting on Yemen. (MFA) (E) http://en.mfa.ir/index.aspx?siteid=3&fkeyid=&siteid=3&fkeyid=&siteid=3&pageid=1997&newsview=344925 
   
• Yazdi calls for Yemen ceasefire. Chairman of the Assembly of Experts Ayatollah Mohammad Yazdi reprimanded Saudi Arabia for its activity in Yemen and called for an immediate ceasefire. Yazdi also expressed concerns about “Saudi-sponsored” terrorism in Iraq and Syria. (IRNA) http://www.irna.ir/en/News/81646386/
   
• Al Abadi to visit Tehran this week. Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al Abadi will meet with senior Iranian officials to discuss regional and international developments, mutual cooperation, and an anti-terrorism campaign. The scheduled visit follows Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri’s earlier visit to Iraq in mid-February. (Press TV) (E) http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2015/06/15/415943/Iraq-Prime-Minister-Haider-alAbadi-Iran 
   
• Larijani set to visit Ireland on Monday. Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani is scheduled for a visit with his Irish counterpart on Monday in Dublin. The visit will last two days and will discuss ways to strengthen mutual cooperation between the countries. (Fars News Agency) http://www.farsnews.com/newstext.php?nn=13940324000375 

Nuclear Talks

• Next round of nuclear talks will begin on Wednesday. Senior Iranian negotiators Abbas Araghchi and Majid Takht Ravanchi will return to Vienna to meet with their P5+1 counterparts on June 17. (Tasnim News Agency) (E) http://www.tasnimnews.com/english/Home/Single/770232