Despite Khamenei’s attempts to show his support for Pezeshkian, reactions from media and officials indicated that this alliance might be superficial and short-lived.
In the decree read by Khamenei’s chief of staff, Mohammad Mohammadi Golpayegani, the Supreme Leader praised Pezeshkian but set specific conditions for his support: “This endorsement of mine will continue as long as their course in following the true path of Islam and the revolution remains steady.” Pezeshkian, in his remarks, expressed loyalty to Khamenei and praised the late Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani and Ebrahim Raisi, stating, “I am grateful for Khamenei’s kindness and wisdom.”
State media highlighted the notable absences at the inauguration ceremony, including former presidents Mohammad Khatami and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The political climate surrounding the new president’s inauguration was marked by intense power struggles. Heshmatollah Falahatpisheh, a former chairman of the parliamentary security commission, warned that “The purifiers are sharpening their teeth to trap the government. Pezeshkian should know that any price hikes will be his downfall.”
#Khamenei’s Influence and Media Battles Mark Pezeshkian’s Cabinet Selection Turmoil in #Iranhttps://t.co/CBhsRtyMDA
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) July 26, 2024
During a meeting of Pezeshkian’s campaign staff in Tehran, Ali Abdolalizadeh, the campaign chief, faced protests for emphasizing the role of officials close to Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf in Pezeshkian’s presidency, leading to chants of “Lies, lies” and “We don’t want a coalition government.” The state-run Etemad newspaper sarcastically responded to the Kayhan newspaper’s claim that “Pezeshkian receives a saddled horse,” implying everything was prepared by Raisi’s administration, highlighting the economic deterioration during Raisi’s tenure.
Allah-Noor Karimitabar, the Friday prayer leader in Ilam, remarked that the people expect the new president to choose his cabinet ministers independently, selecting those who can solve societal issues rather than create political tensions. Hassan Ameli, Khamenei’s representative in Ardabil, also commented on the situation, stating that “The Supreme Leader has fully supported the President-elect. If there are failures, he cannot say he was obstructed since everything is at his disposal.”
Reasons Behind #Khamenei’s Forced Approval of Masoud Pezeshkian in #Iran’s Sham Electionhttps://t.co/OC0zjoxuLn
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) July 11, 2024
In Tehran’s Friday prayer sermon, Kazem Seddiqi noted that the Leader has recommended constructive interaction with the President-elect regarding forming the cabinet. Pezeshkian, in an interview on Khamenei’s website, assured that his cabinet choices would align with the Supreme Leader’s directives. “A list has been presented, and we are finalizing it. Eventually, we will consult with the Supreme Leader to conclude,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mahmoud Nabavian, an influential member of Khamenei’s faction, declared that the parliament would not give a vote of confidence to anyone with foreign ties or whose family lives abroad.
Mohammad Mohajeri, a member of the board of directors of the Khabar Online website, suggested that all state-affiliated media should operate under their real names and identities, displaying their affiliations openly to eliminate media-related pitfalls. This statement was seen as an attempt to neutralize the attacks from rival factions.
