Three-minute read
Masoud Pezeshkian has long been a figure closely tied to the Iranian regime’s most hardline elements, displaying unwavering loyalty to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and his ideological framework. His recent statements and actions, particularly his interactions with senior officials and extremist factions, underscore his commitment to supporting the regime’s fundamentalist goals.
On September 9, Pezeshkian met with key figures from the Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS), praising them as the “true soldiers” of the revolution. In a speech, he emphasized what he called “the selfless efforts of MOIS operatives,” characterizing them as “working anonymously to preserve the Islamic Republic without seeking personal gain.” He suggested that “these soldiers were closest to God” due to their pure intentions and actions.
Just a few days earlier, on September 7, Pezeshkian visited the Khatam-ol-Anbia Construction Headquarters, an arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Accompanied by Hossein Salami, the IRGC commander-in-chief, Pezeshkian inspected the organization’s extensive infrastructure projects. Following the visit, he expressed hope that the “Basij” forces could be utilized to tackle Iran’s internal problems, firmly positioning himself as an advocate of Basij values. He reiterated that “he had been, was, and would continue to be a Basiji,” referring to the Basij militia’s role in upholding the regime’s ideological and military missions. This sentiment was echoed by the Kayhan newspaper, which praised Pezeshkian’s endorsement of the Basij mindset as the savior of the country.
#Iran News:
Clerical Regime Vows to Continue #Terror Sponsorship Through Masoud Pezeshkianhttps://t.co/eZFcaECe7b— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) July 15, 2024
What Khatam-ol-Anbia HQ stands for
Khatam-ol-Anbia Construction Headquarters, also known as GHORB (which stands for Gharargah Sazandegi Khatam al-Anbiya), is far more than a mere construction entity. Established during the Iran-Iraq war to support the war effort, Khatam-ol-Anbia has since grown into one of the most powerful economic and military entities in Iran, largely controlled by the IRGC. It is involved in large-scale infrastructure projects, including dams, tunnels, highways, and energy projects, making it a cornerstone of the Iranian economy.
However, Khatam-ol-Anbia is not only about economic development. It is deeply embedded in the regime’s broader ideological and security architecture. The organization functions as a financial backbone for the IRGC, allowing the regime to fund both its domestic repression and foreign operations. The wealth and resources controlled by Khatam-ol-Anbia enable the IRGC to operate independently of government budgets, which has fueled concerns about the organization’s lack of transparency and its role in corrupt dealings within Iran.
Khatam-ol-Anbia’s involvement in Iran’s military strategy goes beyond domestic projects. It has been reported that the organization plays a critical role in supporting Iran’s proxy forces in the Middle East, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and Palestinian groups in Gaza.
Mojtaba Abtahi, Palestinian Uprising Conference SG: "Years ago, when His Eminence [the Supreme Leader] advised that the #WestBank ought to be armed, the enemy perceived that #Iran is disheartened by the developments in #Gaza… Many in our country questioned why only Islamic… pic.twitter.com/qjz0mIBLQE
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) November 29, 2023
The ability of Khatam-ol-Anbia to mobilize resources and expertise makes it a formidable player in Iran’s strategy of extending its influence throughout the Middle East. In addition to supporting infrastructure in Gaza, the organization is also instrumental in projects across Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon, where Iran has entrenched its influence through proxy militias. This network of proxies, funded and supplied by the IRGC through Khatam-ol-Anbia, is central to Tehran’s geopolitical ambitions and its confrontation with Western powers and regional adversaries.
Pezeshkian’s rhetoric and actions, coupled with his allegiance to the IRGC and Khatam-ol-Anbia, reveal his commitment to the regime’s extremist policies. His endorsement of the Basij mindset and the militarization of economic and social sectors aligns with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s broader strategy of using its security apparatus to maintain control over Iran and exert its influence across the Middle East.
While Khatam-ol-Anbia and numerous other regime entities have been sanctioned by the U.S. and EU for supporting terrorism, Pezeshkian’s words and actions reflect his alignment with these malign activities. His loyalty to the regime’s extremist elements and endorsement of the IRGC’s agenda should serve as a warning about the dangerous path he is headed toward. His stance signals a clear commitment to advancing Tehran’s destabilizing influence both domestically and across the region.