A selection of the latest news stories and editorials published in Iranian news outlets, compiled by AEI Critical Threats Project Iran Analyst Mehrdad Moarefian, with contributor Warren Marshall. To receive this daily newsletter, please subscribe online.

Key takeaway: Ali Larijani continued his regional tour and is scheduled to meet with senior Iraqi officials.

Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Heidar al-Abadi, President Fuad Masum, Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jafari, and Parliament Speaker Salim al-Jabouri, in Baghdad. Larijani’s official visit to Iraq is the final leg of his tour, which included trips to Lebanon and Syria. This diplomatic overture, moreover, underscores Iran’s concerted effort to maintain its political influence over Baghdad, Beirut, and Damascus to undermine the West’s regional interests.

Head of the Ministry of Intelligence and Security Hojjat al-Eslam Mahmoud Alavi announced the arrest of three terrorist leaders, plotting to carryout suicide attacks, along Iran’s Eastern border. The arrests underline heightened security measures for religious ceremonies during the months of Moharram and Safar.

 

Regional Developments and Diplomacy

  • Larijani to meet with senior Iraqi officials. Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani is set to meet with Iraqi officials in Baghdad, including Prime Minister Heidar al-Abadi, President Fuad Masum, Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jafari, and Parliament Speaker Salim al-Jabouri. (Mehr News Agency)

 

 

Military and Security

  • Iran arrests three terrorists along its border. Hojjat al-Eslam Mahmoud Alavi Head of the Ministry of Intelligence and Security, said: "Three terrorist leaders have been arrested by Iran's border guards." Alavi added that the terrorists were plotting to carry out suicide attacks in Iran. (Mehr News Agency)

 

  • Fadavi: The IRGC watches all British ships in the region. IRGC Navy Commander Brig. Gen. Ali Fadavi said the United Kingdom’s plans to build a naval base in Bahrain are not important for Iran. Fadavi added that the IRGC Navy monitors the movements of all British ships in the region. Fadavi also said that America’s new naval laser cannon would not work well in the high humidity of the Persian Gulf. (Defa Press)

 

  • Iran tracking hostile moves beyond its borders. Khatam ol-Anbia Air Defense Base Deputy Commander Amir Reza Sabahi Fard said that radars are tracking enemy movements and Iran will give the proper response if needed. (Tasnim News Agency)

 

 

Economy

  • India and Iran plan to open unlimited credit line. Tehran’s Ambassador to New Delhi, Reza Ansari announced that a based an agreement between the Export-Import Bank of India and eight Iranian banks, a credit line can be used by Iranian companies to provide technical and engineering goods, equipment, and services. Ansari added: “There is no limit over the use of this credit line.” (Tasnim News Agency)

 

  • Iran and China agree on railway construction project. Tehran and Beijing have a signed a contract to finance the Tehran-Varamin-Garmsar subway. (Ghatreh)