Iran News Round Up - August 4, 2017

Iranian officials, including ambassador to Russia Mehdi Sanaei, announced that they had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on banking cooperation with the Central Bank of Russia. (Mehr News Agency)

Iranian media sources reported that Qatari patrols arrested three fishermen from Hormozgan Province, southwest Iran, on July 31. (ISNA)

Deputy Foreign Minister Hossein Jaberi Ansari travelled to Turkey on August 3 ahead of an advisory meeting with senior Turkish officials with regard to Syria and the Astana peace talks. (Mehr News Agency)

Senior foreign policy advisor to the Parliament speaker Hossein Amir Abdollahian met with Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al Muallem in Damascus on August 3. Abdollahian stated that Israel was attempting to “normalize” Arab-Israeli affairs and that Israel “considers Syria and the Axis of Resistance as [obstacles] to that plan.” He stressed that “Syria is still actively present at the negotiating table, but [Iran] will not allow the imposition of unjust plans on Syria. Terrorists have no place in the future of Syria.” (Mehr News Agency)

Senior Foreign Policy Adviser to the Supreme Leader Ali Akbar Velayati stressed the importance of China’s role in Syria after receiving China’s plan for its involvement in that country from Chinese Special Envoy on Syria Xi Xiao Yuan. Velayati stated that “China can play an important role in the provision of concrete rights [for] the Syrian government and nation.” He added that China “must follow through… in its support for [Syria].” (Mehr News Agency)

The Supreme Leader’s Representative for Hajj and Pilgrimage Affairs Hojjat ol Eslam Ali Ghazi Asgar stressed that the Hajj was a good opportunity for Iran and Saudi Arabia to “resolve their issues and tone-down their disagreements.” Ghazi Asgar stated that Saudi Arabia has “abided by” the promises it made regarding the protection of Iranian pilgrims and added that “with regard to resolving the two countries’ political issues, negotiation is the best way [forward]. The diplomacy of the Hajj can be effective in this regard.” The first group of Iranian pilgrims traveled to Saudi Arabia on July 30. Ghazi Asgar’s comments also follow remarks by Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif regarding a potential rapprochement with Saudi Arabia. (Mehr News Agency)

Parliamentary Legal Commission Deputy Mohammad Kazemi announced that he had visited hospitalized Green Movement leader Mehdi Karroubi on August 3. Kazemi addressed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s comments regarding national unity at President Hassan Rouhani’s inauguration. Kazemi stated that he “[believes] that the lifting of the house arrest of Hojjat ol Eslam Karroubi and Mir Hossein Moussavi can help to increase unity in the country.” (ILNA)

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei formally endorsed President Hassan Rouhani’s second term in a ceremony on August 3. Rouhani stated during the ceremony that Iran will “never accept isolation imposed by [its] enemies or capitulate to the requests of [its] ill-wishers to decrease its involvement in international governance or remain at a distance from [being part of] the developments and achievements of human experience.” He added that Iran would take advantage of its “diplomatic power… and the might of [its] deterrence” in its response to U.S. sanctions.  Rouhani also defended the nuclear deal and stressed that it demonstrated “Iran’s good will to engage in constructive and effective interactions on the international stage.” (President.ir) (Press TV) (E)

• Khamenei urged Rouhani to build on “four decades” of post-revolutionary experience in his remarks after the ceremony. Khamenei addressed recent U.S. sanctions on Iran and stated that Iran “must never forget that the enemy is busy with plots and hostility” and tasked Rouhani with the preservation of national unity. Khamenei also called on Rouhani “not to get upset regarding opponents’ viewpoints… with acceptance and tolerance of criticism, you must let the critics express their thoughts.” Khamenei added that one of Iran’s priorities during Rouhani’s second term should be “broad interaction with the world and comprehensive relations with nations and governments.” Khamenei emphasized that Iran’s other priorities should be “first… dealing with people’s problems, particularly financial [ones]” as well as standing strong “against those who seek to dominate.” (Fars News Agency)
• Member of the reformist-backed Omid parliamentary faction Mahmoud Sadeghi echoed Khamenei’s remarks on national unity in the wake of Rouhani's inauguration. He stated that “all different political tastes and inclinations should come under… the administration of the Supreme Leader” and urged Rouhani to consequently treat his critics with greater “charity.” (Tasnim News Agency)