The Fars News Agency, having close ties with the Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), cited the primary reason for the shutdown as the publication of a video report by Entekhab titled “Auctioning Iran’s brand why has Iran’s foreign policy weakened so much?” The report was criticized by Fars, labeling it as “outside the limits of the law” and alleging it undermines “the fundamental policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran in foreign policy.”
This closure gives insight into the mounting internal strife within the regime. It highlights the regime’s vulnerability, as well as Ebrahim Raisi’s purported exaggerations on his foreign policy achievements.
However, Entekhab’s controversial video disputed these claims. It suggested that the actual achievements were primarily negative, pointing out Iran’s condemnation by the International Atomic Energy Agency and its expulsion from various international entities. The video critically noted that real judgment should be based on tangible results rather than mere rhetoric.
Further complicating matters for the president, on August 23, Jalal Mahmoudzadeh, a parliament member, voiced his disapproval of the nation’s diplomatic performance, especially from foreign minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian.
In response to Entekhab’s shutdown, Mohammad Mohajeri, from the editorial board of Khabar Online, on September 5, criticized President Raisi’s inability to restore the JCPOA. He likened the regime’s foreign policy strategies to “tasteless lollipops” that no one finds appealing.
Many believe that the shutdown isn’t about national welfare but rather a power struggle. Islahat News website, on September 6, drew parallels between the dismissal of professors and the Entekhab closure, hinting that these events might be indicative of an election-related strategy.
Similarly, Mohammadreza Tajik, a political analyst with regime affiliations, described the recent events as symptoms of a desperate attempt to ensure survival, pointing out that such strategies hint at a deeply-rooted fear within the administration.
The events underline a growing chasm within the regime, with factions clashing over control, as well as highlighting the perceived frailties in the government’s diplomacy. The coming months will be crucial in determining the future trajectory of Iran’s political direction, with these internal disputes casting a long shadow.
MEK Iran (follow us on Twitter and Facebook), Maryam Rajavi’s on her site, Twitter & Facebook, NCRI (Twitter & Facebook), and People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran – MEK IRAN – YouTu
