Key takeaway: President Hassan Rouhani reiterated his criticism of the IRGC’s role in Iran’s economy.
Rouhani stated, “Part of the economy that was in the hands of the “unarmed” government was given to the “armed” government. This is not... privatization” during an iftar [fast-breaking] dinner with business officials on June 22. Rouhani is likely referring to the fact that IRGC-controlled foundations, among other institutions, have benefitted significantly from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s implementation of a large-scale effort to privatize Iran’s economy in 2006. Rouhani has attempted to reduce the IRGC’s role in Iran’s economy during his presidency.
This Iran News Round Up predominantly covers events from June 22-23.
IRGC dismantles “terrorist” cell in Kurdistan.
Forces from IRGC Hamzeh Seyyed ol Shohada Base killed one and arrested three members of the Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK) in clashes on June 23. Iran, Turkey, and the U.S. have designated PJAK as a terrorist group. (Mehr News Agency) (E) (IRNA) (E)
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IRNA Mehr News AgencySafavi: Hezbollah missiles are set to shoot Israel.
Military Adviser to the Supreme Leader IRGC Maj. Gen. Yahya Rahim Safavi stated “Hezbollah’s missiles are always ready to shoot at Israel... the extermination of Israel is near” in a speech marking the occasion of Quds Day. (Radio Farda) (E) (Mehr News Agency)
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Mehr News Agency Radio FardaKhatami: Saudi Arabia is too weak to attack Iran.
Tehran Friday Prayer Leader Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami blasted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, claiming that the prince is “too inexperienced” and his country “too small” to attack Iran. (Fars News Agency) (E) (Tasnim News Agency)
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Tasnim News Agency Fars News AgencyRouhani: Handing government-controlled entities to the IRGC is not privatization.
President Hassan Rouhani criticized the IRGC’s expansive role in Iran’s economy at an iftar [fast-breaking] dinner with business officials on June 22. Rouhani stressed that his administration “has been committed to the real transfer of the economy to the private sector” since the administration’s “inception” in 2013. Rouhani also stated that if Article 44 of Iran’s Constitution “were implemented exactly, we would have a great revolution and development.” Rouhani also stated, “Part of the economy that was in the hands of the “unarmed” government was given to the “armed” government. This is not... privatization.” Article 44 of Iran’s Constitution calls for government ownership or control of major industries. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reinterpreted this article in the 2000s and ordered the Iranian government to embark upon a large-scale privatization effort in 2006. IRGC-controlled foundations, among other institutions, have benefitted significantly from this privatization effort. Rouhani’s comments follow Khamenei’s comment earlier this week that there has been a “lack of tangible progress in the execution of Article 44.” (President.ir) (E) (Radio Farda)