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The internal power struggle within Iran’s clerical regime over the formation of Massoud Pezeshkian’s cabinet continues to escalate. On July 23, Pezeshkian openly expressed his frustration, stating, “Selecting these officials has truly become a dilemma for us because we promised to choose the best. Now, when we ask for help, everyone is pushing their own people forward, and I don’t know what to do.”
Pezeshkian appealed to rival factions to refrain from interference and reduce pressure, emphasizing the country’s dire situation. “Our country is not in a good state. We are severely sanctioned. Our problems stem from our differences and perspectives. If we are to stand against them, if we are to remain strong and deliver a powerful blow, we must unite,” he declared.
The state-run website Khabar Online supported Pezeshkian, noting that even before the foreign minister was appointed, the threats began. “Kowsari, a member of the Paydari faction in Parliament, said the foreign ministry candidates should be revised to avoid wasting the time of Parliament and the government. He added, ‘Zarif is leading the selection process, and everyone is familiar with his approach to the foreign ministry and the JCPOA; therefore, I am not hopeful about the outcome,'” the site reported.
Conversely, a newspaper affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) titled an article “The Cabinet Steering Council or a Gathering of Criminals and Divisive Elements?” highlighted concerns about the backgrounds of council members who are tasked with introducing the cabinet members. “This is the first time that the appointment of managers after an election has become an issue of ethnicity and sectarianism, which can have dangerous implications,” the paper warned.
Outward Diplomacy, Inner Turmoil: #Iran’s Weakening Regime Heads Toward Revolthttps://t.co/yCotCgsmQ1
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) July 23, 2024
Eventually, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei weighed in, explicitly and publicly directing Pezeshkian on how to form his cabinet, emphasizing the criteria that he would want for his executive branch. On social media platform X, Khamenei wrote, “Trustworthy, honest, devout, deeply committed to the system (i.e., the rule of Velayat-e Faqih), hopeful for the future (i.e., preserving the system and avoiding collapse), with a positive outlook, and adhering to Sharia law. They should have a reputation for integrity and honesty, no history of political misconduct, and a national rather than factional outlook.”
Furthermore, Hossein Shariatmadari, editor-in-chief of the Kayhan Daily, accused Pezeshkian’s associates of being corrupt and spies, predicting serious problems for Pezeshkian’s government. “Those who are to select and introduce members of his cabinet are akin to a camel that doesn’t know the way. They have a record of collaboration with enemy intelligence services, security convictions, corruption, disbelief in the system and revolution, and alignment with the US, UK, and Israel in sedition and unrest. Be assured that this group will not support you and will soon confront your government with serious problems,” Shariatmadari wrote.
MP Meysam Zohourian Aboutorabi commented, “While the president has the right to choose a cabinet of like-minded individuals, the proposed cabinet should not become a consortium of parties and political factions. Turning the cabinet into a shareholding company based on ethnicity, gender, and the like undermines the selection of capable individuals focused on solving people’s issues. A powerful government arises from a cohesive cabinet, not from quotas that have no basis in rational and religious governance.”
Once more, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, head of the regime’s Judiciary, echoed the need for adherence to the Supreme Leader’s guidelines on state television. “Every incoming government might differ slightly in its approach and political preferences, but the fundamental principles remain unchanged. The elected president has repeatedly stated his commitment to the Supreme Leader’s guidance and policies. Foreign policy contacts, such as those with leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah, illustrate that our system’s policies remain consistent and vigilant against enemies,” he highlighted.
Amid Heightened Power Struggles in #Iran, Khamenei Weighs inhttps://t.co/wvNHqmNa2D
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) July 22, 2024
Meanwhile, Saeed Jalili, Khamenei’s senior aide and Pezeshkian’s defeated rival, declared his intention to continue his “shadow government” efforts. “After the elections, I didn’t stop; I went on provincial tours. Nearly 14 million people trust our approach, and it is our duty to pursue this path,” the state-run Arman-e Melli newspaper quoted Jalili as saying on July 24.
The newspaper then slammed Jalili’s efforts and quoted a likely candidate of Pezeshkian’s government Fazel Meybodi as saying, “A faction is working covertly against the established government. The authorities must curb these activities. If the shadow government continues as it is, it will be dangerous.”
The state-run Shargh newspaper, in a July 24 article titled “Pezeshkian in the Whirlpool of the Power Hungry,” reported that lobbying and pressure for government positions have intensified to the extent that Pezeshkian himself complained, “Selecting officials has become a dilemma. We promised to choose the best and asked everyone for help, but everyone is pushing their own people, and I don’t know what to do.”
Hence, the IRGC-affiliated Javan website highlighted the political disparity between Pezeshkian and most parliament members. “If partisan and political tendencies dominate these relations, political conflicts will undoubtedly escalate, resulting in a gridlock in the country’s affairs,” it warned.
As authorities fight to gain more influence in the new government, the clerical regime is destined to head towards an increasingly unstable future. The relentless infighting among factions, coupled with the exposure of corruption and atrocities committed by officials, is going to fuel the public’s growing anger. As Iran’s history has shown time and again, cracks at the top lead to explosions at the bottom of society.