Social and Political

Radiofarda – Outspoken MP and deputy speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Ali Motahari has called on Iran’s intelligence Minister to order an investigation into the allegations of ministry agents torturing a labor activist.

Al-Arabia – Following Iran’s announcement of missiles tests under the pretext of “launching satellites” into space, the regime in Tehran is facing a new wave of political isolation.

RFL/RE – Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan are planning to meet “soon” to discuss the announced departure of U.S. troops from Syria, where both countries also have a strong military presence.

Al-Monitor – The labor struggles of teachers in Iran have expanded simultaneously with the establishment of a modern educational system in the country.

Radiofarda – The Iranian Central Bank has proposed a currency reform that would remove four zeros from the rial, Iranian state media have reported.

Radiofarda – The complaint of a labor activist that he was tortured in prison have led to members of parliament pursuing the case and student groups demanding a debate with Iran’s intelligence minister.

Radiofarda – In an open letter to the U.S. President Donald Trump, hundreds of Iranians in and outside Iran have called for launching a financial fund under Washington’s supervision to support anti-Islamic Republic movements.

Radiofarda – In a January 5 statement, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi accused UK Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt of “hasty” and “absurd” remarks against Iran.

Radiofarda – Iran’s deputy foreign minister on a visit to Afghanistan met senior government officials to brief them on Iran’s talks with Taliban representatives.

Al-Arabia – A powerful Iranian council approved an anti-money laundering bill on Saturday, state media reported, a major step towards reforms that would bring Iran into line with global norms and could facilitate foreign trade in the face of US sanctions.