Iran News Roundup - April 17, 2017

Artesh Ground Forces Commander Brig. Gen. Amir Heydari stated that the Artesh Ground Forces are “undergoing a big change.” He added that the forces which are “being created in the new structure” are “mobile, powerful, and quick-reactionary forces.” (Ghatreh)

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Ghassemi criticized the U.S. Treasury’s designation of the Tehran Prisons Organization and Sohrab Soleimani for human rights violations at Evin Prison. Ghassemi stressed that the U.S. is “not in a position to comment or act on the situation of human rights in other countries.” Ghassemi also condemned the European Council’s recent extension of human rights-related sanctions on Iran. (Press TV) (E) (Tasnim News Agency)  

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem in Moscow to discuss the Syrian crisis. Zarif stressed that “countries that don’t agree with the unilateralism of the U.S.” should call for an investigation into the chemical attacks at Khan Sheikhoun. Zarif added that “The solution of Syria is on the negotiating table through the people of Syria… and not by the foreigners who impose upon the will of the people. (Mehr News Agency) (Fars News Agency) (Ghatreh)

Interim Tehran Friday Prayer Leader Hojjat ol Eslam Kazem Sedighi discussed the forthcoming elections in his Friday prayer sermon on April 14. Sedighi stressed that the presidential candidates must have “moral propriety” and that the president “must not have the spirit of compromise, vacillation, or passivity but rather aggressiveness, independence, and trust in God.” He also stated that the president must be removed “from the aristocracy and committed to ethical principles.” His comments may be an implicit criticism of President Hassan Rouhani. A scandal rocked the Rouhani administration recently, in which leaks revealed that administration officials had been receiving exorbitantly high salaries. Sedighi also called for a high voter turnout, which is a popular regime refrain during elections.

• Sedighi criticized the U.S. airstrikes on Syria’s Shayrat Airbase. Sedighi stated that the airstrikes were “against international norms” and prove the U.S.’s “aggressive and savage behavior to the international community.” (Fars News Agency)  

President Hassan Rouhani formally registered for the 2017 presidential election. Rouhani stated that “After today, the preservation of the nuclear deal will be one of the most important internal political and economic questions of the nation of Iran.” (Press TV)

• Astan Quds Razavi Foundation Head Hojjat ol Eslam Ebrahim Raisi and former Parliamentarian Alireza Zakani, two of the five candidates backed by the Popular Front of Revolution Forces, formally entered the presidential election. Zakani stressed that the Popular Front candidates “must adhere to the Popular Front’s” mechanism, which requires candidates who are not selected to drop out of the race and support the final unity candidate. (Fars News Agency) (Mehr News Agency)