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On Sunday, July 28, Ali Khamenei held the appointment ceremony for his regime’s new president, Massoud Pezeshkian, to remind the Iranian people that without the Supreme Leader’s blessing, the president, his government, or even public opinion is meaningless.
The absence of high-ranking officials such as former presidents Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Mohammad Khatami was telling of the regime’s internal contention. However, more important than the ritual aspects and the display of officials present was Khamenei’s speech. For years, the Supreme Leader, who has been trying to prevent the downfall of his decaying regime through brutal suppression of uprisings, rigged elections, and purges of old allies and critics, has always tried to project an image of unity. Despite these efforts, Khamenei had to issue warnings during the ceremony to hold Pezeshkian’s government and internal factions in check.
Khamenei began his speech by stressing that his support for the new government is conditional. He said, “With sincere prayers and hopes for their success, I remind you that the people’s vote and my endorsement will continue as long as their perpetual adherence to the path of Islam and the revolution remains.”
Using the term “people” as a code for loyalists, Khamenei likened the mobilization of military and paramilitary forces during the Iran-Iraq war to the current situation, urging the new government to use this “immense popular capacity.” He said, “My first recommendation is that the honorable government and president should work for the people, with the people, and among the people, utilizing this great popular capacity to achieve their mentioned goals.”
Amidst Intense Factional Conflicts, #Iranian Regime’s Supreme Leader Appoints New Presidenthttps://t.co/3CcXoOJhYM
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) July 28, 2024
Khamenei praised the deceased president Ebrahim Raisi as a model of “jihadist work” and instructed the handpicked parliament, the purged Judiciary, and his military forces to examine the government’s actions very closely.
“Next, cooperation among the country’s pillars is essential. The parliament must help the government. The government must be sensitive to the parliament’s concerns. The Judiciary must be actively present wherever needed. The armed forces should be ready to assist the government and the people wherever required. Everyone must play their role,” Khamenei stressed.
He subtly warned of social dangers to his regime, stating, “I am very sensitive to cultural issues. Cultural matters are extremely important. Perhaps more important than anything. But today, the priority is economic issues. A strong, calculated economic movement is necessary.”
The Supreme Leader cautioned the new government against conceding to the West, using the code “self-reliance.”
He explicitly called for the continuation of exporting terrorism and fundamentalism, saying, “In foreign policy, our approach should be active and impactful, not passive. The 13th government made good efforts in this regard. God bless the martyr of service, the late Amir-Abdollahian, a very good diplomat. In our foreign relations, one of our priorities is to expand our diplomatic field with countries in Africa and Asia.”
Khamenei stressed that the next government must continue relying on authoritarian allies to withstand international scrutiny and bypass sanctions. “One of our priorities is to strengthen ties with countries that have supported us under pressure, both in and outside the United Nations, through economic cooperation and other means. We must appreciate and solidify these connections.”
Finally, he emphasized the continued use of the bloody regional crisis to distract from domestic unrest and manipulate international affairs. “The issue of Gaza is a global matter today. It was once only an issue for Islamic countries, but now the Palestinian issue is a global one… The power of Resistance is becoming more evident day by day.”
Reasons Behind #Khamenei’s Forced Approval of Masoud Pezeshkian in #Iran’s Sham Electionhttps://t.co/OC0zjoxuLn
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) July 11, 2024
Meanwhile, in his address, Massoud Pezeshkian assured the Supreme Leader and other faction leaders of his loyalty, emphasizing that Khamenei had paved the way for him. “I honor the memory of Iran’s proud martyrs, especially Qasem Soleimani, and pay tribute to the spirits of the martyred presidents Rajaei, Bahonar, and the martyr of service Ayatollah Raisi. I am grateful for the Leader’s wise guidance, which enabled the effective participation of the nation and meaningful competition of diverse policies in the 14th presidential election.”
Pezeshkian added, “The executive branch, aside from matters directly related to the leadership, is entrusted to us by the constitution. The path defined by the Supreme Leader is clear. My government’s mission is to adhere to the vision set by the Leader, implement the outlined policies, and ensure that we achieve the highest and best standards.”
With a pointed remark towards his rivals, Pezeshkian warned against criticism and attack, stating, “All current disagreements stem from personal desires. The path is clear, the policy is defined. If we move within this framework, we will reach the place we deserve and are worthy of.”
Following the endorsement, Pezeshkian appointed Mohammadreza Aref as Vice President and Mohsen Haji Mirzaei as his Chief of Staff. Aref served as vice president in Mohammad Khatami’s second term and is currently a member of the Expediency Discernment Council appointed by Khamenei.
Along with Haji Mirzaei, who was the Minister of Education under Hassan Rouhani, are both long known as ineffective and conformist elements from the faction that tries to brand itself as “reformists.” Aref has even publicly claimed he is not a reformist, outrightly rejecting other peers.
