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

Karrubi issues statement on political crisis; Foreign Ministry spokesman says three arrested American hikers will be prosecuted soon; bombing attack kills Tehran University physics professor; Swiss firm halts gasoline exports to Iran; ISNA reports successful testing at Bushehr plant; IRGC chief addresses Basij members 

Politics

• Mehdi Karrubi's suggestions for solving the political crisis in Iran.

Military and Security

• IRGC Chief Mohammad Ali Ja'fari visiting Basij members in Chahar-Mahal va Bakhtiari province:

  • "The elites and privileged distancing themselves from the foundations and values of the Islamic revolution during the recent events is not a novelty..."

  • "During the first years of the Islamic revolution there were people who with their attempt to spread deviation and incorrect thoughts attempted to create discord within the body of the newly established regime of the Islamic Republic, but thanks to the insight and wisdom of the late Imam [Khomeini] and his harsh suppression their evil schemes were neutralized..."

  • "Formation of counter revolutionary and terrorist groups, liberals and Monarchists ever since the beginning of the revolution until today shows that imperialism has attempted to propagate counter revolutionary principles and values contrary to the values accepted by the Constitution of this country..."

  • "Islamic Iran is a successful role model for other Muslim countries such as Afghanistan, Palestine, Lebanon and Iraq...the enemies of Islam know very well that in order to weaken Iran they must first weaken the very foundation of the society, which is the Guardian Jurist, after which they will attempt to propagate materialism and this worldly orientation within the Shi'a school of thought whose values are Islam and martyrdom..."

  • "The enemy is attempting to propagate Western culture and materialism in order to achieve its evil goals in Iran, and unfortunately, there are some seemingly revolutionary people who are creating the background for the enemy to achieve its colonialist goals..."

  • "This tired and worn group of people, some of whom are dressed in clerical robes, only pay attention to their personal interests and in this path they mercilessly sacrifice the national interests in its entirety to their personal and individual interests..."

• Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi visiting Khorramshahr says the state of defense of the Islamic Republic is at its best and praised Iran's defense industry.

• The Parliament discusses the budget of the Basij.

• Assassination of Physics Professor Masoud Mohammad:

  • According to Fakhreddin Ja'farzadeh, Tehran Criminal Court head, Masoud Mohammadi, Professor of Physics at Tehran University, was assassinated in his home after a remote controlled explosive device was thrown through the windows of his private home in Tehran.

    • Tabnak reports Mohammadi was assassinated as he left his home. 

  • Ramin Mehmanparast, Foreign Ministry spokesman, accuses "Zionist elements and mercenaries of the United States" for assassination.

  • Mohammad Javad Larijani says the assassination is a sign of "maturity" of Iranian scientists and "weakness of the enemies."

  • TV coverage: Channel 1; Press TV.

  • Fars News Agency says Iran Monarchist Association claims responsibility.

    • Iran Monarchist Association denies.

  • Fars News Agency's interviews a former student who depicts the professor as a war veteran with close relations with the Revolutionary Guards.

    • JARAS News reports that Masoud Mohammadi had signed an online declaration of support for Mir-Hossein Mousavi.

Nuclear Issue

• Ali Akbar Salehi, Iran Nuclear Energy Organization Director ,on state television: "Should Iran submit a complaint against Russia for not living up to its promises with regard to completion of Bushehr Nuclear Reactor, in the very end and in the best situation, Iran would receive $40-$50 million, while until now Iran has paid the Russians $1.3 billion. Therefore we have no choice but give the Russians whatever they demand..."

• ISNA reports a successful test at Bushehr Nuclear Plant.

Trade

• Swiss company stops exporting gasoline to the Islamic Republic.

Diplomacy

• According to Foreign Ministry Spokesman Mehmanparast, the three arrested American citizens will soon be prosecuted in Iran.

• A group of parliamentarians, during their meeting with parliamentary speaker Ali Larijani, demand dismissal of Mohtashamipour as head of the Committee for the Defense of the Palestinian People and appointment of Hossein Sheikh al-Eslam as new director.

Photos of the Day

• The site of assassination in Tehran.