Iran News Round Up

Astan Quds Razavi Foundation Head Ebrahim Raisi stated that President Hassan Rouhani does not want to address his failure to meet his 2013 campaign promises during a speech in Khuzestan province. Raisi claimed that the Iranian people are “saying that the unemployment rate is unacceptable” and that they will “no longer tolerate” the Rouhani administration’s “negligence.” Raisi promised that he would be able to create jobs much faster than the Rouhani administration.

• Raisi blamed the “weakness of the executive management” for the country’s high unemployment rates during a speech in Kerman province. Raisi stressed that unemployment rates are impacting the Iranian people’s dignity and ability to live their lives. Raisi also claimed that the Rouhani administration has not provided a performance report because it “is afraid of its rivals.” Raisi also highlighted the corruption scandal in which leaks revealed that Rouhani administration members had received exorbitantly high salaries. Raisi addressed Rouhani and stated, “We want to take down the wall between the people’s rights and the robbers [officials who received high salaries.] Are you angry because of the presence of competitors on the scene?... I feel that you are angry… at the workers who protest you or the poor who do not wish to endure you.” Some consider Raisi’s comments a reaction to Rouhani’s criticism of Raisi’s involvement in the execution of thousands of political prisoners in 1988.
• The influential conservative organization Society of Combatant Clergy also announced it is backing Ebrahim Raisi in the May 19 elections. (Tasnim News Agency) (Tasnim News Agency) (Tasnim News Agency)

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei censured Iran’s endorsement in 2015 of a UN education agenda called Education 2030, which endeavors to “ensure inclusive and equitable education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.” Khamenei indicated that Iran has its own education agenda and that the UN, a “so-called international organization under the influence of big powers,” does not have the right to make such decisions for nations with varying histories and cultures. Khamenei warned that Iran is “not a place for the faulty destructive corrupt Western lifestyle to infiltrate like this.” Khamenei explicitly denounced the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution for permitting Iran to adopt Education 2030, stating that the council “should have been vigilant.” Khamenei’s comments are likely aimed at President Hassan Rouhani ahead of the May 19 presidential elections. Iran’s president chairs the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution. (Tasnim News Agency) (E)

Tehran Mayor Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf addressed rumors he is withdrawing his candidacy in the presidential elections. He stated, “I did not become a candidate in order to withdraw,” and reiterated his call to end “the government of the 4 percent.” Ghalibaf has accused Rouhani of representing Iran’s establishment elite, rather than the general population. (Tasnim News Agency)

Armed Forces General Staff Head IRGC Maj. Gen. Mohammad Hossein Bagheri and Basij Organization Commander IRGC Brig. Gen. Gholam Hossein Gheibparvar reacted to President Hassan Rouhani’s statement during the May 5 presidential debate that the IRGC launched missile tests in an effort to “disrupt” the nuclear deal. Rouhani had noted that the IRGC had inscribed the missiles with the slogan “Israel should be wiped off the earth” in Hebrew.

• Bagheri reiterated that the nuclear program does not address Iran’s missile program and stressed that Iran’s nuclear negotiators had claimed that Iran’s military capabilities assisted them in the nuclear talks.
• Gheibparvar stated that the elimination of Israel is “one of our goals,” and stressed that “the free people around the world are proud” that Iran is standing up to Israel. (Tabnak) (Basij News Agency)

Armed Forces General Staff Head IRGC Maj. Gen. Mohammad Hossein Bagheri warned that “Pakistani soil has become a haven for terrorists” and terrorist shelters will “come under [Iran’s] crushing attack” if “aggressions continue.” Jaish al Adl militants killed nine Iranian border guards near the Iran-Pakistan border in April. The Pakistani government has promised to capture and punish perpetrators. (Reuters) (E) (Fars News Agency) (E) (Tabnak) (E)