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, please visit this page, fill out the "New Subscribers" section, and check "Iran News Round Up" listed under "Projects." 

(E) = Article in English

Politics

• Tabnak News attacks reformist journalist Fariba Davoudi Mohajer's cooperation with the National Endowment for Democracy.
• Asr-e Iran releases names of senior clerics who met with Supreme Leader Khamenei in Qom.

Diplomacy

• Supreme Leader addresses the pilgrims: "Contrary to the past, the Zionist regime is no longer an invincible monster. Unlike two decades ago, the United States and the West are no longer undisputed decision makers of the Middle East. And in contrast to ten years ago, nuclear technology and other complicated technologies are no longer outside the reach of Muslim nations of the region. The Lebanese nation alone crushed the false prestige of the Zionist regime and was the victor of the 33-day war. The Iranian nation is the vanguard of the movement towards the peaks."
• Asr-e Iran's analyst explains how subsidy reforms will affect Afghan refugees in Iran, who will not receive cash handouts from the government.
• The government and opposition in Comoros are divided over relations with Iran.

Military and Security

• The Basij is formally tasked with inspecting the guilds.
• [E] A senior Iranian military commander dismissed the US and Israeli war rhetoric against Tehran, and cautioned the Zionist regime that any potential move against Iran would be Israel's last mistake.
• [E] The Iranian Army has launched its biggest nationwide air defense drill to prepare against any possible attacks "on public or nuclear sites."
• [E] Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast says the deployment of a missile defense shield in the Middle East is aimed at protecting and supporting Israel.

Economy

• Ahmadinejad proposes interest-free loans to enable people to work at home.
• The Iranian parliament with a majority of votes frees the Central Bank from government control and strengthens independence of the Central Bank.
  • The parliament prohibits the government from taking loans from state-owned banks.
  • Economy Minister Shams al-Din Hosseini: "The Central Bank must remain within the government structure."
  • Mahmoud Bahmandi, Central Bank director general: "One of the important indicators and the main issue of independence is the independence of the management of the organization in question... If I am incapable of doing what benefits the regime, I'll resign."
  • Parliamentarian Mohammad-Reza Bahonar says the Central Bank should be independent in its decision-making regarding monetary policies and control of inflation.

Trade

• Emad Hosseini, Parliament’s Energy Committee spokesman: "If the current rate of energy consumption continues... we will be importing energy in ten years."
• According to Sobh-e Sadegh, trade between Iran and the United States has increased sevenfold despite sanctions.

Photo of the Day

• Shi'a necktie in the shape of Zolfaqar, sword of Imam Ali.