Saeed Mohammad’s office issued a statement denying the claims of Commander Yadollah Javani. Yesterday, Javani told the media that Mohammad had been dismissed from the IRGC for misconduct and had not resigned as previously reported. Mohammad’s office added that Javani was not a spokesperson for the IRGC, and that Javani’s statement had been misrepresented by the media.
IRGC: Saeed Mohammad was Fired from Khatam al-Anbiya
An IRGC Political Deputy, Commander Yadollah Javani, today stated that Saeed Mohammad was dismissed from his command last month for misconduct. Mohammad, seen as a star candidate, had stated on March 9 that he had resigned his command to run for President, and had been unusually quite since the New Year on March 21. Mohammad’s announcement had drawn criticism from Iranians who believed that it was an intrusion of the IRGC on civilian politics, and this was reflected in Javani’s statement that “the IRGC is strongly opposed to the entry of the Revolutionary Guards into the election arena without going through the defined legal processes and processes”.
Motahari denies Rumours about Qasemi’s Assassination Attempt
Potential candidate Ali Motahari denied that he was planning to sue another potential candidate, Rostom Qasemi, for allegedly manufacturing an assassination attempt in Lebanon on March 24. Rumours of the lawsuit had been circulating online and in the Turkish press for a few days. Motahari said he had no reason to be involved in the issue, and as far as he is concerned, Qasemi is an honest person.
Rafiqdoust: Ahmadinejad is a Political Outcaste
Prominent IRGC officer and economic liberal politician Mohsen Rafiqdoust stated that Ahmadinejad will not be allowed to run in this year’s election as he is a “political outcaste”. Rafiqdoust also expressed hope that Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf will not nominate as he is doing a good job as Parliamentary Speaker.
Failed Assassination of Potential Candidate
Rumours began circulating on social media yesterday that an assassination attempt was made against senior IRGC advisor, Rostam Qasemi, during a visit to Lebanon. His son Morteza, using his father’s Twitter account, confirmed the attempt, saying his father was unharmed and will continue his official visit in Lebanon. Preliminary reports are accusing Israel.
Rezaei calls for Conscription Reform
Potential candidate and senior IRGC officer Mohsen Rezaei outlined his plan to reform the military and replace conscripts with professional soldiers in the long term. Rezaei argued the youth could be mobilised to strengthen the country through increased production. Rezaei’s comments were in response to current parliamentary debates aimed at remedying the high number of Iranian youth seeking exemption from conscription.