{"id":320721,"date":"2024-06-21T20:20:01","date_gmt":"2024-06-21T19:20:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/?p=320721"},"modified":"2024-06-21T20:20:01","modified_gmt":"2024-06-21T19:20:01","slug":"heated-clash-marks-second-televised-debate-in-irans-sham-presidential-election","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/news\/iran-election\/heated-clash-marks-second-televised-debate-in-irans-sham-presidential-election\/","title":{"rendered":"Heated Clash Marks Second Televised Debate in Iran’s Sham Presidential Election"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The second televised debate for the Iranian regime\u2019s presidential election, which took place on June 28, was marked by intense confrontations among the six main candidates, each vying for dominance in the tightly controlled political landscape.<\/span><\/p>\n

During the debate, Alireza Zakani<\/a> targeted former President Hassan Rouhani, calling his presidency “eight black years” and accused Rouhani\u2019s Foreign Minister Javad Zarif of exacerbating Iran’s problems. Zakani also aimed at Masoud Pezeshkian<\/a>, alleging that he was part of the flawed system.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pezeshkian defended himself by stating that he served under Mohammad Khatami, not Rouhani, and reiterated his commitment to Khamenei\u2019s policies, making it clear that any deviation from these policies would be his “red line.” He stated, “Anyone who does not align with the Supreme Leader’s overarching policies and refuses to implement them becomes a red line.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Mostafa Pourmohammadi<\/a>, while criticizing Zakani, brought up the controversial Tehran municipality contract with China, suggesting mishandling. Pourmohammadi admitted to internal disputes and highlighted resistance to implementing the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) under Rouhani’s administration.<\/span><\/p>\n

Amir Hossein Qazizadeh Hashemi<\/a> aligned himself with the current administration, criticizing Pezeshkian and Pourmohammadi for their connections to Rouhani’s government. He boldly stated his intention to continue the “unfinished work of Martyr Raisi” and challenged the other candidates to admit if they aimed to continue Rouhani’s policies. He stated, “I want to continue the ‘half-finished government of Martyr Raisi’. Do you have the courage to admit you want to continue Rouhani’s third government?”<\/span><\/p>\n

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#Iranian<\/a> Regime\u2019s Desperate Efforts to Showcase Legitimacy Through Sham #Elections<\/a>https:\/\/t.co\/uNRhEA4B7p<\/a><\/p>\n

— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) June 20, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n