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
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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..."
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Mohammad Hashemi Rafsanjani, brother of former president Rafsanjani, says the mere fact of presidential elections does not make Iran a republic.
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Parliamentary Speaker Ali Larijani says archeological remains from the Sassanid era are "a sign of Iranians’ statesmanship."
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Armed Forces Command Council Chief Brigadier General Firouzabadi publishes an open letter of support for Ahmadinejad.
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Kargozaran technocratic faction may present a presidential candidate.
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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?"
- "Which groups were most decisive in securing President Ahmadinejad's victory?
Diplomacy
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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.
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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.
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E'temaad's analyst says Iran and NATO have a shared interest in Afghanistan.
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Ahmadinejad tells Venezuela President Hugo Chavez that it "unlikely" that "Israeli leaders allow Obama to do anything."
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(E) Iraqi president Jalal Talabani says he wants strategic relations with Iran.
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Iran to start archeological excavations on the disputed islands of Greater and Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa.
Military and Security
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Ahmadinejad defines the societal security plan.
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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.
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Defense Minister Najjar says the Islamic Republic has produced surface-to-surface missiles which can strike multiple targets, and drones.
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Najjar demands a regional security order without interference from beyond the region.
Trade
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Iran to establish two natural gas pipelines to Europe.
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Thai and Chinese companies explore for oil in Iran.
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Foreign Minister Mottaki says Iran's goal is $5 billion trade with Iraq.
Economy
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The parliament expresses concern about budgetary strains on public institutions outside government control.
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The parliament's timetable to abolish gasoline subsidies is three to six years.
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Parliamentary Research Institute suggests the government's economic reform program might lead to 67 percent inflation.
Religion, Culture and Society
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Hojjat al-Eslam Imani appointed Shiraz Friday prayer leader.
Human Rights and Labor
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(E) Iranian labor update.
Photo of the Day
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Defense Minister Najjar at military exhibit.