“Specific people and security institutions” have sent documents “telling members not to vote in favor of the ministers,” said Motahari to state-run news agency ISNA.
Out of 18 ministers proposed by Rouhani, three were rejected. Motahari revealed that “the leaders of some security agencies cooperated with the MPs’ to remove these candidates.”
“Managers should not get involved behind the scenes in the removal of ministers they should not remotely direct the members”, criticized Motahari.
According to analysts on Iranian issues, by “security institutions” Motahari means the Revolutionary Guards and the Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS). “Specific people” means the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Motahari revealed that “one (MP) had scheduled to speak in support of the Minister of Science and Research, but he gave up because then he said from some place he was ordered to put it off. “
“The influence of some outside the Majlis, clearly determined how to vote for the proposed ministers.”