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 subscribe to this daily newsletter, e-mail [email protected].

(E) = Article in English

Politics

• Davoud Soleimani, Reform Front election coordination committee chief, says the reformist campaign headquarters will soon be opened and that their first priority is to get Mohammad Khatami elected president.
  • Kayhan editor Shariatmadari ridicules Khatami supporters' claims that he was attacked by pressure groups armed with sticks.
  • Khatami: "Now that I have [declared my candidacy], we must stand firm and our intention is change of conditions and victory and we should do away with obstacles, or at least minimize them..."
• Mohammad Hashemi Rafsanjani, brother of former president Rafsanjani, says the mere fact of presidential elections does not make Iran a republic.
• Parliamentary Speaker Ali Larijani says archeological remains from the Sassanid era are "a sign of Iranians’ statesmanship."
• Armed Forces Command Council Chief Brigadier General Firouzabadi publishes an open letter of support for Ahmadinejad. 
• Kargozaran technocratic faction may present a presidential candidate.
• Tabnak News Agency highlights politicized university admission exam questions, e.g.:
  • "Which groups were most decisive in securing President Ahmadinejad's victory?
    • 1. Abadgaran Faction
    • 2. Combatant Clergy Faction
    • 3. Islamic Engineers Association
    • 4. Kargozaran [Technocratic] Faction?" 

Diplomacy

• Foreign Ministry spokesman Ghashghavi asked if Ahmadinejad's statements about the improvement of U.S.-Iran relations are authorized by the Supreme Leader and says statements with regard to such matters follow "a well known mechanism."
  • Hojjat al-Eslam Hassan Rowhani, representative of the Supreme Leader in Supreme National Security Council, says "it is unlikely that U.S.-Iran relations will undergo significant change in the near future" but adds "Iran is ready to negotiate with the U.S. for the sake of the interests of the region." 
  • (E) Iran tells Obama not to miss chance for talks.
• Palestine Islamic Jihad Secretary General of Ramadan Abdallah meets Supreme Leader Khamenei, reports on the war in Gaza and thanks Khamenei and the people of Iran for support: “The victory of Gaza is the victory of the people of Iran."
  • (E) Supreme Leader calls Gaza victory “miracle”
  • Rafsanjani tells Abdallah that Iran will intensify its support for Palestine. 
• E'temaad's analyst says Iran and NATO have a shared interest in Afghanistan.
• Ahmadinejad tells Venezuela President Hugo Chavez that it "unlikely" that "Israeli leaders allow Obama to do anything."
•  (E) Iraqi president Jalal Talabani says he wants strategic relations with Iran.
• Iran to start archeological excavations on the disputed islands of Greater and Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa. 

 Military and Security

• Ahmadinejad defines the societal security plan. 
• Foreign Ministry spokesman Ghashghavi says the Islamic Republic has not yet received any formal request from NATO regarding the use of Chahbahar Port Facility for NATO logistical support to Afghanistan.
• Defense Minister Najjar says the Islamic Republic has produced surface-to-surface missiles which can strike multiple targets, and drones.
• Najjar demands a regional security order without interference from beyond the region.

Trade

• Iran to establish two natural gas pipelines to Europe.
• Thai and Chinese companies explore for oil in Iran. 
• Foreign Minister Mottaki says Iran's goal is $5 billion trade with Iraq. 

Economy

• The parliament expresses concern about budgetary strains on public institutions outside government control.
• The parliament's timetable to abolish gasoline subsidies is three to six years. 
• Parliamentary Research Institute suggests the government's economic reform program might lead to 67 percent inflation. 

Religion, Culture and Society

• Hojjat al-Eslam Imani appointed Shiraz Friday prayer leader. 

Human Rights and Labor

• (E) Iranian labor update.

Photo of the Day

• Khatami at Revolution Day Rally.
• Defense Minister Najjar at military exhibit.