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

Diplomacy

• Qashqavi, Foreign Ministry Consular Affairs head, academic Sadeq Zibakalam and Mohebian, Arya News director, discuss regional developments:
  • Qashqavi: "Activity of the Foreign Ministry began the very first week of the developments in Libya, but due to expediency, 70% of the diplomacy of the country concerning the events in Libya, were secret and should not become [known] through the media... [At some point] several members of the transitional council of Libya, including an individual who was expected to be responsible for the future foreign policy of Libya, visited Tehran and we had fruitful negotiations... The fact that during one month, three important conferences...took place, is a sign of a very active diplomacy..."
  • Zibakalam: "The welcome the French president and the British prime minister received in Libya is an answer to all the statements of Mr. Qashqavi... In addition to Libya-related issues, our foreign policy during all the developments which Mr. Qashqavi calls 'Islamic awakening' was problematic. The main reason was an ideological view of foreign policy... The movements which have taken place in the Arab world are not Islamic awakenings and are not related to Islam... These movements are against authoritarianism and dictatorship. The people want free elections, freedom of thought and the rule of law..."
  • Mohebian: "Whether we want it or not, the Islamic revolution has become the role model of these movements, but it does not mean that they want to have an Islamic Republic since this would be neither realistic, nor desirable."
• [E] Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ramin Mehman-Parast Thursday night called on the White House officials to stop meddling in Tehran's domestic affairs, and said the recent remarks made by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Iran displayed her lack of knowledge and information.

Military and Security

• Qods Force commander Qassem Suleimani: "During the war [with Iraq], there was no talk of ranks and positions."

Religion, Society and Culture

• Bultan News slams master singer Mohammad-Reza Shajarian's appearances on Persian language media broadcasting to Iran.

Trade

• [E] Dispelling impressions of external pressure to shelve the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project, Pakistan's Petroleum Minister Asim Hussain informed the Senate that the pipeline would be completed by 2013, one year ahead of schedule.

Photo of the Day

• Ayatollah Mesbah Yazdi and Hezbollah leader Nasrallah.