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
 

• Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Deputy Commander Brig. Gen. Hossein Salami attended a memorial held for the Iran-Iraq war martyrs of Najaf Abad, Isfahan province and spoke on Iran’s global rise: 
  • “America today has become a main actor of a socially excluded arena; and in its place, the Islamic Revolution has become an actor in a directorial area through the actions of the Supreme Leader.”
  • On Western countries’ alliances during the Iran-Iraq War: “With its intelligence power, America and France equipped the Iraqi air force, and Germany on the other hand dealt with Iran through chemical weapons; and the Arabic countries, through gifts of petrodollars, and the former Soviet Union, by equipping Iraq, contributed to the aggressor.”
  • “Islamic Iran does not fear international powers today, and stands against their greed.” (Tasnim News Agency)
     
• Hojjat al-Eslam Reza Taghavi discussed the selection of the next Assembly of Experts Chairman following the October 18 death of former Chairman Ayatollah Mahdavi Kani: 
  • “Figures are being introduced in the Assembly of Experts, which session Ayatollah Hashemi Shahroudi currently runs. Thus in the first meeting, the Chairman of the Assembly of Experts will be selected by a votes by the Experts.”
  • “Ayatollah Ali Mohavedi Kermani has been acting as deputy director up until now, and the Director General [of the Assembly of Experts] will be discussed in the future.” (Fars News Agency)
     
• Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham reiterated Iran’s support for the Lebanese government and military in its fight against terrorism. Afkham said Tehran is awaiting Beirut’s request for military aid, adding:
  • "When provided with sufficient equipment, the Lebanese army will be able to effectively fight the terrorists."
  • “The Lebanese army should be facilitated with great support in the fight against terrorism.”
  • “In the past, we have witnessed that some parties have announced their readiness to help the Lebanese army, but in the process of following through with promises they have taken no action.” (IRNA)
     
• The new Head of the Iranian Interest Desk in Egypt, Mahmoud Mahmoudian, discussed Iran’s absence from the US-led international coalition against ISIL and Egyptian-Iranian ties:  
  • “America is a sponsor of terrorism; for this reason, Iran did not participate in the international coalition against ISIL.”
  • Fars News noted that “Alluding to the historical and religious ties between Egypt and Iran, [Mahmoudian] emphasized that Iran is interested in developing relations with Cairo.”  (Fars News Agency)
     
• Advisor to IRGC Commander Major Gen. Mohammad Ali Jafari, IRGC Brig. Gen. Hossein Hamedani inspected an exhibition on the “capabilities and achievements” of the IRGC Khatam ol-Anbia Construction Base held at Parliament in Tehran and said “Just as our war was not governmental and relied on the people, our development is being done by relying on the people. The base only acts as a stimulating motor in this field.”  (Fars News Agency)
   
• Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei led prayers at the funeral ceremony of former Assembly of Experts Head Ayatollah Mohammad Reza Mahdavi Kani. The heads of the three branches of government, the Head of the Expediency Council, the Commander of the IRGC Maj. Gen. Jafari, Head of the Basij Organization IRGC Brig. Gen. Mohammad Reza Naghdi , and the Chief of the Armed Forces General Staff Maj. Gen Hassan Firouzabadi were also present at the ceremony. (ISNA)
   

Regional Development and Diplomacy
 

• Sunni and Shi’a scholars and clerics met in Beirut and established the Resistance Scholars Union. The Union issued a statement in support of Palestine and resistance against the “global arrogance” [West]:
  • “The Union is completely ready to support the Palestinian cause and all forms of resistance against the global arrogance in all parts of the world.”
  • “The Resistance Scholars Union calls upon all to mobilize all forces and facilities to continue the course of reclaiming Gaza more strongly than ever before until we achieve the complete liberation of Palestine.” (ABNA) 
     
• First Deputy to the President Eshagh Jahangiri met with Iraqi Prime Minister Heidar al-Abadi in Tehran and discussed bilateral relations and security issues. They issued a joint statement:
  • “In response to the official invitation of First Deputy to the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Eshagh Jahangiri, the Honorable Heidar al-Abadi, Prime Minister of Iraq, traveled to Iran with a high-ranking delegation from October 20 to October 22.” (Mehr News)
     
• First deputy to the President Eshagh Jahangiri met with Qatari Minister of Economy and Trade Amad bin Jasem bin Mohammad Al-e Thani and discussed regional security, shared underground reserves, and cooperation for the 2022 World Cup to be held in Qatar:
  • Qatari Minister Thani: “With today’s events countries in the region need consultations, dialogue, and coordinated decisions more than ever before. The risk of extremism and terrorism threatens all countries.”
  • Deputy Jahangiri: “The Islamic Republic of Iran is ready for any kind of assistance in all areas including infrastructure, technical services, and engineering to hold the magnificent games [World Cup 2022].” (ISNA)
     
• An unnamed Iraqi source claimed that more than 60 advisors "from Russia and countries close to Moscow" have established a joint operations room with the goal of combating ISIL in al-Rashid Hotel located in the al-Khazra secure area of Baghdad. (Fars News Agency)
   

Military and Security

• At the appointment ceremony of Amir al-Momenin University Complex Commander Brig. Gen. Yunes Amiri, IRGC Ground Forces Commander Brig. Gen. Mohammad Pakpour announced an upcoming “revision” that optimizes IRGC training “in the field of combat.” Pakpour called this a response to the threat of the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant. (Defa Press)
   
• Artesh Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari visited the Qingdao naval base in Shandong Province, eastern China. This is the second leg of Sayayyari’s China trip aimed at strengthening military ties and bilateral cooperation between Tehran and Beijing. (Defa Press)
  • The Defense Minister of the People’s Republic of China Chang Wanquan met with Sayyari and conveyed Beijing’s intent for increased bilateral ties, adding: "Exchanges between the two navies have been fruitful and their warships have paid successful visits to each other." (Tasnim News Agency)
     

Nuclear Talks

• Head of the Iran nuclear negotiations expert team and Foreign Ministry Political and International Affairs Director Hamid Baidinejad addressed the press following expert-level talks with the P5+1 and said:
  • “The board believes that the views and topics discussed to find a final solution was helpful.”
  • “The report of the meeting between Iran and the P5+1 will be presented to higher authorities.” (IRNA)