Iran News Round Up – February 24, 2017

Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak stated that “Iran is interested in acquiring 12 Sukhoi Superjet 100 planes soon,” according to Russian news outlet Rossiya 24. Novak also reportedly stated that Russia has expressed interest in launching “joint production” of Ilyushin Il-114 aircraft in Iran. (Tasnim News Agency) (E) (Tasnim News Agency) (E)

Defense Minister IRGC Brig. Gen. Hossein Dehghan stated the formation of such entities as NATO is part of the West’s larger effort to “confront the Islamic Revolution.” (Tasnim News Agency)  

Hamid Mohammadi, an official from Iran’s Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization, met with Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Mohammad Saleh Benten to discuss the details of the 2017 Hajj. The two sides did not reach any agreements, but agreed to hold future talks. Iranian pilgrims did not attend the 2016 Hajj pilgrimage after Iran and Saudi Arabia were unable to agree on terms to ensure the safety and travel arrangements of Iranian pilgrims. A stampede during the 2015 Hajj in Mina, Saudi Arabia, killed over 2,400 pilgrims, including over 450 Iranians.(Tasnim News Agency) (E) (ISNA)

Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Head Ali Akbar Salehi warned against the effects of President Donald Trump’s policies and behavior towards Iran, which he termed “Trumpism,” during remarks on February 23. Salehi stated that “Trumpism” seeks to create division within Iran by “spreading the feeling of disappointment and insecurity as well as the feeling of growing corruption and injustice.” Salehi stressed, “We will bite the bait of Trumpism if we adopt a reactive approach and act carelessly.” (IRNA) (E) (Fars News Agency)  

President Hassan Rouhani visited the southwestern province of Khuzestan on February 23. Extensive power and water shortages prompted several days of protests recently in Ahvaz, a center of Iran’s oil production. Rouhani promised that the government is “standing by” the people of Khuzestan and vowed that the government will “make use of all its capabilities to solve the problems.” (Mehr News Agency) (E)

The Popular Front of Islamic Revolutionary Forces, a coalition of principlist groups founded to propose a single conservative candidate to challenge President Hassan Rouhani, selected 10 semi-finalists for the coalition’s presidential candidate. Astan Quds Razavi Foundation Head and Assembly of Experts member Ebrahim Raisi, Expediency Discernment Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei, Tehran Mayor Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, senior former nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili, former parliamentarian Ali Reza Zakani, Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation Head and ex-IRGC member Parviz Fattah, and Society for Combatant Clergy Spokesman Hojjat ol Eslam Gholam Reza Mesbahi Moghaddam were some of the 21 names on the ballot. Rezaei, Jalili, Ghalibaf, and Zakani previously ran in the 2013 presidential elections. (Mehr News Agency)