Zarif Responds to Khamenei’s Speech

Foreign Minister Mohammad-Javad Zarif released a statement shortly after Khamenei’s speech went to air, in which he again reiterated his apology for his comments in the audio file, which he added were not meant for public dissemination but part of an oral history project. Zarif added that “the compassionate statements of the Supreme Leader are always the final word for me and my colleagues”. While rumours circulate about Zarif’s future – his resignation, dismissal or even possible impeachment – the Foreign Minister’s statement indicates his intention to keep working in his present role. It is unclear how it will affect any intentions he may have to run for President, especially since the Reform Front named him as their first preferred candidate just hours before Khamenei spoke. 

Read Zarif’s statement at Mehr

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Khamenei Publicly Rebukes Zarif

In a public address to the nation, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei publicly rebuked Foreign Minister Mohammad-Javad Zarif over last week’s leaked audio file in which Zarif criticised former IRGC commander Qasem Soleimani, which he described as a “repetition of our enemy’s views”. Khamenei reiterated that Soleimani was “martyred” because he upset the plans of Iran’s enemies and added that “we should not talk in a way that makes our enemies happy”.  Khamenei finished with another stern rebuke, saying “everyone must know that foreign policy is not determined in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Iran or anywhere in the world.” 

Watch Khamenei’s address on his website

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Fallout from Zarif Files Continues

In a continuation of the leaked Zarif files saga, a senior advisor to President Rouhani and the head of the Centre for Presidential Strategic Studies, Hesamuddin Ashna, has resigned after a number of media outlets identified him as the source of the leak. Ashna has denied he was responsible, and has since made cryptic comments referring to the 1972 comedy film Hakim Bashi, and vaguely adding that the authorities were following a line of inquiry other than him. A number of media outlets have speculated that the authorities were investigating 15-20 people regarding the theft and leaking of the audio.

Read more on BBC Persian

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Leaked Audio Files Dominates News

The leaked Zarif interview dominated news headlines today in Iran. Most media outlets reported it as embarrassing to the Foreign Minister, although some speculated the recordings might help him. Kayhan, the mouthpiece for the Supreme Leader’s Office, was hostile, taking issue with Zarif’s criticisms of IRGC Commander Qasem Soleimani, accusing the interviewer of sedition (he was imprisoned after the 2009 election), and depicting the Foreign Minister as a stooge and sacrificial victim for Western powers. 

Read the Kayhan editorial

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Leaked Interview with Zarif

A 3-hour interview with Foreign Minister, and potential candidate, Mohammad-Javad Zarif was leaked today, in which Zarif accuses the Russians of trying to sabotage the JCPOA agreement in 2015. Zarif also ruminates on the competing objectives of his office with the interests of Qasem Soleimani and the Quds Force. Zarif also comments on Ahmadinejad’s attempt to talk to the Americans about nuclear issues without first seeking the permission of the Supreme Leader, adding that “Death to America is just another slogan for Ahmadinejad”. The Foreign Ministry has called the leaked audio “distorted and fragmented”.

Read the key points of the interview at Jamaran.

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Namazi: “The Greatest Rival for All Candidates is Turnout”

Ali-Mohammad Namazi, a member of the Reformist Executives of Construction Party, told Donya-ye Eqtesad said “the most serious rival for Presidential candidates this time around is turnout. I think only about 20-25% of voters will participate”. Namazi points to a real fear that public dissatisfaction coupled with COVID restrictions will lead to an abysmally low turnout. In the same interview, Namazi stated that Hassan Khomeini’s decision to withdraw from nominating was disappointing for the Reformists, although there was still hope that Mohammad-Javad Zarif might run.

Read more on Donya-ye Eqtesad

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Pezeshkian: I will not step aside in favour of Larijani

Reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian stated in an interview that he would not step down as candidate in favour of former speaker of the Parliament, Ali Larijani. Pezeshkian’s comments reflect a controversy among Reformists about whether Reformists should stand aside to support moderate candidates. In 2013, the Reformist candidate Mohammad-Reza Aref stood down under pressure from senior Reformist who back moderate candidate Hassan Rouhani. In this election, non-Reformists like Ali Larijani and Mohammad-Javad Zarif are being considered as the Reformist choice, which has renewed the split in the movement.

Read more on Tasnim

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Motahari: I was taken out of context.

In his first remarks since his controversial appearance on Clubhouse on Wednesday, Ali Motahari stated that out of a nearly three hours discussion, only five minutes had been torn apart by the media. He added that “I will not be strict on the hijab if elected” contrary to what was being reported. He also took a swipe at Mohammad-Javad Zarif, saying that he was suited for the Foreign Ministry and “does not have the skin” to be President.

Read more on Khabaronline

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Speculation that Clubhouse will be the Social Media of the Elections

The recent use of Clubhouse by Mohammad-Javad Zarif, and the migration of important political figures and influencers from Twitter and Instagram to the new social media platform has led to speculation that Clubhouse will play a key role in elections. The platform is currently popular among elites in Iran, but its “Rooms” function has the potential to be used as a substitute for rallies in times of COVID restrictions. Some media are speculating that it will have the influence of Twitter in the 2009 election, and Telegram in the 2017 election.

Read more on Hamshahri

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