Iran News Round Up

[Thanks to Ali Alfoneh for his compilation. (E) signifies English-language link]

Diplomacy

• Ahmadinejad says a “senior U.S. commander in Iraq” asked for permission to see him when he was visiting Iraq, and that he had held a meeting with the commander in question and his deputy, and that they took a photo together.
• Alef News “discloses” a neoconservative plot to change the regime in Tehran.
• Speaking with Afghan ambassador to Iran, executive director of Fars News Agency complains about Afghan media writing about Iran.

Military and Security

• According to Alef News, the Revolutionary Guards’ recent war game in the Persian Gulf pre-empted a U.S.-led war game.
• The Islamic Republic tests the Shahab-3 missile. (E) In English, here.
• Iran’s missile test increases price of oil.
• Raja News writes that the missiles will, if necessary, be launched against Israel, but the Iranian president says Iran is not planning to do so.
• ISCA News clams the U.S. has panicked because of Iran’s missile test.
• Revolutionary Guard deputy chief Hejazi says the test only shows a fraction of Iran’s capabilities.
• Senior IRGC commander Hossein Salami says the missile has been launched “to the honor of Iran.”
• Video of the missile launch (scroll down).
• (E) Iran warns of crushing response.

Nuclear Issue

• Safavi, former chief of the Revolutionary Guards, and a number of people believed to be involved in Iran’s nuclear efforts subjected to U.S. sanctions.
• (E) Iran has reached turning point in nuclear process.
• (E) Solana to head back to Iran.

Politics

• Kargozaran technocratic faction says it does not oppose former president Mohammad Khatami’s candidacy.
• Parliamentarian Zakani launches a devastating attack against Justice Mortazavi.
• Parliament Speaker Larijani meets Nahavandian, head of Iran Chamber of Commerce.
• Media advisor to the Iranian president says obsolete laws constitute a threat to the legislature.
• Alireza Zakani, former head of the Student Basij, recalls the student demonstrations of 1999.
• Pour-Mohammadi becomes a member of the Combatant Clergy.
• Tabnak News publishes parts of the Iranian president’s nocturnal discussions with student groups supporting the government.
• Hojjat al-Eslam Do’a-Gou says the Palizdar affair only served the purpose of marginalizing the clergy.
• Rafsanjani: “Management of affairs should be transferred to the people.”
• Rumors of dismissal of provincial governor of Sistan va Baluchestan.
• Shahrvand-e Emrooz’ Qouchani says the authority of the Iranian president has been weakened after publication of Velayati’s article on who makes foreign policy decisions in Iran.

Economy

• Dam waters decrease 45 percent.
• Chicken and egg prices increase in the Iranian market.

Photo of the Day

• Ahmadinejad again meets Senegalese president.