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In a contentious session marked by infighting within the regime’s ranks in the Parliament, the new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, came under heavy fire as factions within the clerical establishment clashed over his proposed cabinet. The session, held on Saturday, August 17, exposed the ruling elite’s deep rifts and power struggles. Pezeshkian’s statements triggered a fierce backlash from rival factions, highlighting the internal discord.
Wearing his “protest cap,” reminiscent of his campaign trail, Pezeshkian delivered a speech that was critical of the regime’s current state without directly naming specific officials. He highlighted the severe issues plaguing the country, such as widespread public dissatisfaction, poverty, corruption, and injustice. “The root of this discontent lies in the policies and management of the system,” Pezeshkian stated. “The point is that the people must be satisfied with us, and today, they are not. We are to blame—not the United States, not foreign entities.”
However, his attempts to address the assembly were met with impatience. As Pezeshkian acknowledged the murmurs of discontent in the chamber, he remarked, “It seems that you don’t have the patience to listen to what I have to say.” He emphasized that the government he was presenting was one of “national unity” and committed to upholding the constitution and achieving the goals of the Seventh Development Plan, which is practically the economic plan put forward by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Admitting the gravity of the situation, Pezeshkian said, “The country is in a critical condition, and the people are facing severe economic hardships. Corruption and flawed patronage networks are widespread. Our biggest problem is the lack of unity and cohesion, which is akin to standing at the edge of a fire.”
Internal Rifts Deepen in Iran as #Pezeshkian’s Cabinet Faces Backlash from All Sideshttps://t.co/E8yVtdIS9U
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He warned that if the people’s voices are not heard in time, growing frustration and despair will lead to the erosion of trust and social capital. “The issues facing society have become chronic, and current measures are incapable of addressing them. The people’s dissatisfaction is palpable; they do not see us as responsive to their needs and demands. Their reluctance to participate more enthusiastically in elections is a sign of this disillusionment.”
“Iran is strategically located at the center of the world’s energy reserves, sitting on 71% of the globe’s oil reserves, with 60 billion tons of mineral resources. Yet, we only utilize 0.8% of these resources annually,” he acknowledged.
In his address, Pezeshkian urged the lawmakers to unite behind the Supreme Leader, reiterating his loyalty and stating that his administration is committed to following Khamenei’s directives. During the presidential campaign, Pezeshkian frequently emphasized his dedication to implementing the Supreme Leader’s orders, even remarking after the election that without Khamenei’s support, he would not have emerged victorious.
Parliament’s vetting
However, Pezeshkian’s speech was met with criticism from various quarters. Hamid Aboutalebi, a political advisor to former President Hassan Rouhani, described the speech as “tedious, repetitive, and surprising.” In a message posted on the social media platform X, Aboutalebi addressed the president, saying, “But most importantly, an unfortunate phenomenon seems to be proudly emerging during your term: you repeatedly make reading mistakes, often admit you don’t know how to speak, and lack the patience to even read your own writings.”
Unformed Pezeshkian Cabinet Under Siege from Competing Regime Factions in #Iranhttps://t.co/fYvXKbmvAn
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) August 15, 2024
Hamid Rasaee, a hardline MP, said, “Pezeshkian’s speech was like rewinding a tape—we heard the same words from the inauguration and endorsement ceremonies, accompanied by repeated verbal slips.” He added, “Pezeshkian himself lacked the patience to read the text to defend his won cabinet.”
Eghbal Shakeri, a former MP, predicted that three to four of the proposed ministers “will certainly not receive a vote of confidence.” Shakeri noted that the assembly was particularly sensitive about key ministries, especially the nominations of Mohammad Reza Zafarghandi for Health and Abbas Araghchi for Foreign Affairs.
One of the most controversial nominations was that of Eskandar Momeni, a military figure proposed as Minister of Interior, which drew widespread criticism. Momeni is widely regarded as a concession to Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the influential Speaker of Parliament.
The session saw further clashes when MP Mohammad Qasem Osmani lashed out at the cabinet’s composition, accusing Pezeshkian of sidelining the Sunni community. “No one has disappointed the Sunnis like Pezeshkian has,” Osmani declared. “Can you truly implement national unity without including the 15 million Sunnis, Kurds, Baluchis, and Turkmen? You have given your opponents ministerial positions, but not even a deputy seat to the Sunnis.”
MP Mehdi Kouchakzadeh criticized the administration for not presenting a comprehensive program alongside the ministerial nominations, as required by parliamentary protocol.
#Iranian Regime’s Factions Erupt in Conflict Over Pezeshkian’s Controversial Cabinet Choiceshttps://t.co/JDqRZ8PHIB
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) August 14, 2024
Kouchakzadeh further questioned the legality of the session, asking Speaker Ghalibaf, “Has Pezeshkian presented you with a government program to share with us?” He continued, criticizing Pezeshkian for basing his program on the teachings of religious literature and the Supreme Leader’s vision without offering a concrete plan of his own.
Alireza Salimi, another MP, echoed this sentiment, stating that Pezeshkian had failed to present a distinct plan to the parliament, merely reiterating the already approved Seventh Development Plan. “The Seventh Plan has already been passed and approved by the Guardian Council. Therefore, it is meaningless to agree or disagree with it,” Salimi pointed out.
MP Moslem Salehi also voiced concerns about the cabinet’s age, pointing out the discrepancy between Pezeshkian’s campaign promise of youth inclusion and the reality. “Pezeshkian promised a youthful cabinet, but the average age is 60, making this nearly the oldest cabinet in the history of the Islamic Republic.”
As the first day of debates concluded, it was clear that Pezeshkian’s proposed cabinet faced significant hurdles. Despite his calls for unity and reform, the regime president’s ability to navigate the deep divisions within the parliament and the broader political landscape foretells turbulent times ahead for the regime.