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Three-minute read<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n With just about two weeks left until Iran\u2019s sham presidential elections, the candidates sanctioned by the Guardian Council are eschewing policy debates and extravagant electoral pledges. <\/span>Instead, they are competing to curry favor with the regime’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, each endeavoring to demonstrate their loyalty and efficacy to him. In the aftermath of Khamenei’s speech<\/a> following Ebrahim Raisi’s death, during which he extensively praised Raisi and his contributions, the candidates are striving to present themselves as heirs to Raisi’s legacy.<\/p>\n Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of Parliament, recently appeared on state television, highlighting his contributions to the regime’s military advancements. \u201cWhen I had the opportunity to serve in the Air Force, my utmost effort was to bring about a specific and clear transformation there,\u201d Ghalibaf said<\/a>. \u201cIf I were to specify, one transformation in the Air Force of the Revolutionary Guard was in the missile field. The missile domain involved advanced technologies, and during that period, we laid the foundations for it.\u201d<\/p>\n Ghalibaf claimed that the underground missile city, discovered years later, was a testament to his era’s engineering and managerial prowess, describing it as a \u201ctechnical and managerial masterpiece.\u201d<\/p>\n Masoud Pezeshkian, perceived by some Western observers as a potential reformist, underscored his unwavering support for Khamenei and commitment to continuing Raisi\u2019s policies.<\/span><\/p>\n State Officials in #Iran<\/a> Criticize Election Engineering, Experts Warn Khameneihttps:\/\/t.co\/cBq5eIzvhq<\/a><\/p>\n — NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) June 11, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n