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Less than a month after the formation of Masoud Pezeshkian’s government and the official endorsement by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, rival factions within the clerical regime continue to clash over the composition of the new cabinet. Statements and warnings from officials close to Khamenei reveal a deep mistrust among the state leaders, demonstrating more storms ahead.
Ahmad Alamolhoda, the Friday prayer leader and Khamenei’s representative in Mashhad, issued a stern warning to Pezeshkian during a speech broadcast on Khorasan TV on August 30. He emphasized that Pezeshkian must adhere to the directives of the Supreme Leader, stating, “Obedience and following the leadership are indicative of loyalty to the position of leadership, and without these two characteristics, one cannot speak of national unity.”
Meanwhile, Abdolnaser Hemmati, Pezeshkian’s Minister of Economy, on August 31 rejected claims from rival factions that the economic situation is favorable and preemptively distanced himself from any responsibility for economic failures. “I see that sometimes some people say, ‘We handed over a saddled horse to this government.’ What saddled horse? Right now, we are dealing with 40% inflation, an exchange rate of 60,000 tomans, a 20-30% budget deficit, and an unemployment rate of 12-13%,” he declared.
The possible return of Mohammad-Javad Zarif to Pezeshkian’s government also remains a contentious issue. Hamid Rasaee, an influential member of parliament close to Saeed Jalili, warned on his X account, “If Zarif’s claim and his reinstatement as deputy are true, then according to the law, first, this strategic deputy appointment is void, and secondly, the perpetrator [Pezeshkian] will be sentenced to social deprivation for a period of 5 to 15 years under Article 19 of the Islamic Penal Code.”
The state-run newspaper Ham Mihan pushed back on August 28, stressing that Zarif’s return as strategic deputy is based on a possible decree from the Supreme Leader. Meanwhile, Khabar Online noted on August 30, “It appears that Zarif’s return has been resolved through hidden lobbying with the upper echelons of the state and related entities in this domain. Even if, at the very moment of Zarif’s return to the cabinet, Hamid Rasaee tweets that this move is against the law and threatens Pezeshkian.”
#Pezeshkian’s Hardline Approach Is a Recipe for More Uprisings in #Iranhttps://t.co/nSJ2JyUYAX
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) August 30, 2024
The state-run Dideban website noted, “Despite Pezeshkian’s emphasis that the cabinet members have the leader’s approval and despite the fact that the leader’s comments confirmed this approval, hardline representatives still refused to give a vote of confidence to the proposed ministers.”
Meanwhile, the state-run Kayhan newspaper described the new cabinet as “a distribution of posts among supporters of chaos under the guise of national unity.” It wrote, “With the start of the 14th government’s appointments, concerns about employing individuals who have no belief in the principles and foundations of the state and who played a role in the unrests have increased. These improper appointments suggest a risk of creating more distractions rather than providing effective service in the new government.”
The paper added, “The recent appointments in the Presidential Office, the Vice Presidency, and ministries such as Oil, unfortunately, bring back memories of the endless controversies and continuous inefficiencies of the eight-year Rouhani administration.”
Ali Shariati, a former Minister of Economy and a member of the Chamber of Commerce, stated, “Elements from the Imam Sadegh University of the Revolutionary Guards are paving the way for corruption in the government. Ehsan Khandozi blatantly interfered in the Chamber of Commerce elections. The process of purification and appointing favored managers has led to a crisis in the government.”
#MasoudPezeshkian’s Economic Policies: A Catalyst for Unrest and Uprising in #Iranhttps://t.co/8rJDXtdQSp
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) August 29, 2024
On August 30, former Minister of the Interior Abdolvahed Mousavi Lari criticized Pezeshkian’s performance in an interview with the state-affiliated Jamaran. He warned that if Pezeshkian and his team do not stay true to their promises and instead become mired in political bargaining, this behavior will permeate other institutions and affect governors as well. Lari pointed out that by the end of the first quarter of the government’s term, it will become evident how Pezeshkian plans to handle key ministries and security and military institutions. He added that if Pezeshkian fails, it would be the regime’s last chance, leading to disastrous consequences.
Amid these escalating tensions, Pezeshkian finally appeared before state television cameras on August 31 for his “first conversation with the people.” Instead of presenting a plan to address the problems, he repeatedly expressed gratitude to Khamenei. Pezeshkian told the two selected hosts from the state broadcaster that he was aware of the issues like all Iranians and that he would solve them, yet he provided no specific solutions.
Having previously emphasized absolute obedience to the Supreme Leader, Pezeshkian again referenced Khamenei several times during his remarks on Saturday night, saying that without the will and support of the “Leader of the Revolution,” he would not be the head of the government today.
Pezeshkian, discussing his upcoming foreign policy initiatives, announced plans to visit Iraq, explaining, “The reason my first trip will be to Iraq is that I wanted to go to Najaf to visit Imam Ali. Regarding the trip to New York and attending the United Nations General Assembly, I will consult with the leadership.”
On internet censorship, he provided no detailed explanations, saying, “We intend to discuss with the Supreme Council of Cyberspace and the Supreme National Security Council and approve what will bring comfort to our people and country.”
