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Internal conflict within Iran’s clerical regime has escalated as officials in the outgoing Raisi administration attempt to solidify their faction’s influence through a series of last-minute appointments. Despite a formal protest letter from Masoud Pezeshkian and an alleged directive from acting president Mohammad Mokhber to halt all changes before a new government takes office, these actions have persisted, sparking a heated battle with the regime’s president-elect.
State-run outlet Eghtesad News revealed on July 9 that these appointments involve key government positions that are crucial for the operations of the respective ministries. Documents confirm that despite Mokhber’s directive issued on June 1, some executive branches continued to make appointments, violating the interim president’s orders. The appointments in question include significant positions within the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development, and the Iranian Airports and Air Navigation Company.
In a letter to Mokhber dated July 8, Pezeshkian requested a halt to all new appointments and contracts within ministries and executive branches, barring unavoidable circumstances. He wrote, “Ensure that no new contracts or appointments are made in any ministry or presidential departments, except for routine operations and necessary payments. In unavoidable cases, obtain written approval from your office.”
Sowlat Mortazavi, the current Minister of Cooperatives, Labour and Social Welfare, dismissed Pezeshkian’s request, arguing that the current administration remains accountable until the end of its term. He stated, “The government is responsible to the people, the parliament, and the president until its last moment in office. Mokhber’s directive applies to administrative bodies, while the appointments made are within companies under public institutions.”
Reasons Behind #Khamenei’s Forced Approval of Masoud Pezeshkian in #Iran’s Sham Electionhttps://t.co/OC0zjoxuLn
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) July 11, 2024
Ali Asghar Anabestani, a member of the eleventh parliament who failed to secure a seat in the twelfth, was controversially appointed to the board of the Steel Workers’ Pension Fund by Mortazavi. Additionally, the General Inspection Organization of Iran has intervened, declaring these appointments in violation of Mokhber’s directive. The head of this organization wrote to Reza Nakhjavani, Deputy Minister of Roads and Urban Development, stating, “The recent appointments in the Iranian Airports and Air Navigation Company are against the directive issued on July 1.”
On Wednesday, July 10, Ali Bahadori Jahromi, a spokesperson for the Raisi administration, took to social media platform X to address recent controversies surrounding the outgoing administration. He stated, “Following claims of the cabinet’s resignation, accusations emerged that the dams were emptied, which was addressed; subsequently, the debts from the past 10 years and the municipalities’ obligations were falsely attributed to another party.”
Responding to Masoud Pezeshkian, Jahromi explained, “When someone resigns, it is natural that the operations of that department cannot be halted.”
The government spokesman further lamented, “It’s unfortunate that, instead of preparing to serve, you are embroiling the new government in disputes over shares for power so prematurely!”
Despite the turmoil, Pezeshkian’s inauguration is scheduled for August 1, 2024, with his presidency officially beginning on August 2. The power struggle within the regime underscores the deep rifts and the significant infightings inside the regime.
In a post on X, Hamideh Zarabadi, spokesperson for the Election Committee, noted the ongoing violations: “Despite the issuance of directives to all executive bodies to refrain from organizational changes, we continue to receive reports of rampant and unlawful appointments, contrary to the stated guidelines.”
Further complicating the situation, Abbas Abdi, a former deputy prosecutor, weighed in on the controversy, stating, “All last-minute appointments and contracts will be subject to review and presumed invalid unless proven otherwise.”
Amid Post-Election Strife, #Iranian Regime’s Supreme Leader Sets Expectations for #MasoudPezeshkian https://t.co/VLJL5vNPww
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) July 7, 2024
The Guardian Council spokesperson also entered the fray, criticizing Pezeshkian’s letter for overstepping his bounds and attempting to undermine the current administration’s authority. Tahan Nazif said, “The Vice President, as the manager of the executive branch, holds the responsibilities of the President until the inauguration day. After that, he can continue his duties as Vice President as long as the new President wishes.”
Meanwhile, experts in the aviation industry have voiced concerns about the qualifications of the newly appointed individuals, suggesting, “The recent appointees lack the necessary executive and technical background, which could damage the organization’s professional structure.”
The dispute over these appointments is not just a power struggle but also a significant governance issue, reflecting broader concerns about the stability and functionality of the regime’s political system.
Meanwhile, in the international arena, Pezeshkian reaffirmed his support for Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, emphasizing that “Iran’s strategic alliance with Syria” would persist under his administration. In a phone call, Pezeshkian assured Assad that “the policies of the Islamic Republic under the guidance of the Supreme Leader will continue to support the Syrian government as a strategic ally.”