(Thanks to Ali Alfoneh for his assistance in compiling)
Nuclear Issue
- Both analysts and public opinion not convinced of the NIE’s conclusions.
Military
- “Iranian submarines chase U.S. vessel,” claims Jahan.
- Academic spokesman of the Basij Resistance Force: “The Basij is the greatest deliverer of ’soft power’.”
Economy and Trade
- Russian gas company GAZPROM to expand activities in Iran.
- Despite investments in Peugeot, Citroen and Renault assembly plants in the Islamic Republic, France might expand sanctions against Iran, says Tabnak.
- China to triple oil imports from Iran.
- Russia-Iran trade doubles.
- Iran inaugurates two large mining and industrial projects in Syria.
- Specifics, in English.
- The Iranian parliament proposes one percent of oil and gas export should be set aside for villages.
- Aftab-e Yazd quotes American Enterprise Institute’s estimate of foreign investments in the Islamic Republic, but refers to Reuters.
- AEI database, here.
- Mohsen Rezai, former IRGC head and current Supreme Leader advisor, supports military’s participation in economic and infrastructural activities.
- Details on IRGC’s economic activities, here.
- Medical equipments importers fear further sanctions against the Islamic Republic.
- Zero interest loans to be granted to the Iranian public upon presidential request.
- Mohammad Khosh-Chehreh, member of the parliament’s Economic Affairs Committee: “The United States will use economic sanctions to coerce Iran.”
- Adds: “The ministry of economy and the banking system have worsened the inflation crisis.”
- National Bank: “Inflation almost 17 percent.”
- Rafsanjani: “It would be such a pity if we remain underdeveloped despite high oil prices.”
Political
- Tabnak describes the “close relationship” between Supreme Leader Khamenei and President Ahmadinejad.
- Presidential advisor Mehdi Kalhor: “Corrupted economic actors to be exposed next week.”
- Kalhor resigns.
- Larijani: “Differences of opinion between Rafsanjani and Ahmadinejad are not as deep as portrayed in the media.”
- Speaker of Parliament Haddad Adel released from hospital after a minor surgery.
- Secretary of the Council of Guardians warns that the Council will not allow many reformist candidates to run for the next parliamentary elections.
Diplomatic
- U.S.-Iran talks in Iraq postponed.
- Russian foreign minister reiterates Moscow’s commitment to Iran’s nuclear program.
- Lebanon-based Ayatollah (and Hezbollah guide) Fadhlallah: “Arab states should not consider Iran an enemy.”
- Azerbaijani court finds 15 persons guilty of conspiracy to overthrow the government in Baku with support from Iran.
- Former secretary of Supreme National Security Council of the Islamic Republic, Ali Larijani: “The dispute between the Islamic Republic and the U.S. is much deeper than tactical issues.”
- Foreign Ministry spokesman: “We are neutralizing ’Iranophobia’ in the region.”
- Semi official Diplomasi-ye Irani hails a new “golden age” in Iran-Egypt relations.
- “Mossad behind the latest assassination in Lebanon,” says Kayhan, mouthpiece of Supreme Leader.
- Iraqi prosecutor urges extradition of Mujahedin al-Khalq members to Iran.
Religion, Culture, and Society
- Smoking water pipes in public declared illegal in the Islamic Republic.
- Commenting on Dutch secular activist Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Kayhan writes “Skirt-dressed Salman Rushdie demands destruction of Islam by force!”
Human Rights and Labor
- Ali Mihan-Torabi to be executed for a crime he committed at the age of 16.
- Khatami promises to do his utmost to free imprisoned human rights and civil society activist Emad al-Din Baghi.
- Ministry of Intelligence informs the National Security Committee of the Iranian parliament about the plight of arrested students.
Photo of the Day
Comments