Key takeaway: The recent tensions between the IRGC and President Hassan Rouhani have increased substantially over the last week.
Judiciary Spokesman Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei referenced the recent disagreement between the IRGC and Rouhani and stated, “Looking back at past experiences, a fitna [sedition, civil strife] is ahead.” Ejei also compared Rouhani to Iran’s first president, Abolhassan Bani Sadr.
Ejei’s comments underscore the heightened tension between Rouhani and Iran’s conservatives and the IRGC. Rouhani challenged the IRGC’s outsized role in Iran’s economy several weeks ago. The IRGC has since defended its economic activities repeatedly. Rouhani attempted to limit the IRGC’s economic and political influence throughout his first term. Rouhani also clashed with Iran’s conservatives, especially the Judiciary, prior to his May 19 re-election as president. Ejei’s use of the word fitna [sedition, civil strife] reflects the extent of the conservatives’ deep opposition to Rouhani. The regime describes the brutally supressed 2009 Green Movement as an instance of fitna.
Typically, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei steps in and moderates such conflicts. Khamenei has instead criticized Rouhani heavily in recent weeks. Khamenei compared Rouhani to Bani Sadr in remarks on June 12. The comparison is significant, as Bani Sadr fell out of Supreme Leader Ruhollah Khomeini’s favor and was later impeached.
This Iran News Round Up predominantly covers events from June 30. The Iran News Round Up will resume on July 6.
Two Fatemiyoun fighters buried in Mashhad.
Fatemiyoun fighters Ahmad Alavi, 30, and Eisi Bagheri, 23, were buried in the city of Mashhad on June 30. Both were killed in Syria. No further details were provided. (ABNA)
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ABNAAbdollahian: We will remain at Iraq’s side for the foreseeable future.
Hossein Amir Abdollahian, Foreign Policy Advisor to Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani, reacted to Iraqi forces’ recapturing of the city of Mosul. He stated that Iran will “remain at Iraq’s side until the provision of full security in the region.” (Defa Press)
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Defa PressRouhani hails Mosul’s “liberation.”
President Hassan Rouhani congratulated Iraqi President Fuad Masum and Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani on the Iraqi “people and military forces’” imminent re-capture of the city of Mosul from ISIS. Rouhani also acknowledged the role of the Grand Ayatollah in providing “hope” to the Iraqi people during days of “hopelessness and confusion.” (Tasnim News Agency) (E) (Mehr News Agency)
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Mehr News Agency Tasnim News AgencyZarif: only U.S. denies Iran’s adherence to JCPOA.
The UN released Secretary General Antonio Guterres’ first report on Iran’s adherence to the terms of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The report acknowledges Iran’s adherence to the terms of the agreement but expresses concern over Iran’s missile program. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif responded to the report via Twitter and noted that the U.S. is “in denial” about Iran’s commitment to the JCPOA. (Fars News Agency)
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Fars News AgencyFriday prayer leader: There is no Iran without the IRGC.
Esfahan Prayer Leader Seyed Mojtaba Mirdamadi asserted the importance of the IRGC to the security and character of the country, and highlighted the IRGC’s role in deterring enemies from attacking Iran. (Tasnim News Agency)
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Tasnim News AgencyKashani praises IRGC’s role in fighting terrorism in Syria.
Interim Tehran Friday Prayer Leader Ayatollah Mohammad Emami Kashani praised the IRGC for its strong response to terrorism in Syria and vowed humiliation for terrorists backed by the U.S., Israel and Saudi Arabia. Kashani emphasized the need to preserve unity and solidarity in the community regarding Iran’s enemies. (Fars News Agency)
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Fars News AgencyEjei: Iran is headed toward a new “fitna.”
Judiciary Spokesman Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei drew attention to the recent attacks on the IRGC. Ejei stated, “Today, the destruction of the Basij… and the Judiciary has intensified. Looking back at past experience, a fitna [sedition, civil strife] is ahead.” Ejei indirectly compared Rouhani to Iran’s first president, Abdolhassan Bani Sadr, who was impeached. Ejei stated, “Bani Sadr was found to be selfish and proud of the majority vote he received.” (Tasnim News Agency) (BBC Persian) (Jahan News)