As if Iran’s elections are free and fair. The religious fanatics choose the candidates, and it is all for their image in the rest of the world. But let’s imagine that we are a news agency that has no clue on it all…
In a recent turn of events, Masoud Pezeshkian has taken the helm as Iran’s new president following the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the life of former President Ebrahim Raisi. Despite the international media’s portrayal of Pezeshkian as a reformist, a closer look at his track record and public statements reveals a staunch supporter of the Islamic Republic’s hard-line policies, unwavering in his loyalty to the Supreme Leader.
Iran’s newly elected President #MasoudPezeshkian seeks better ties with the West, primarily on the nuclear issue
Can Pezeshkian work his way around the regime?@SinghBhairavi joined by Reza Hatami (@rzhtm), journalist, for perspective pic.twitter.com/Otr1idXWlu
— WION (@WIONews) July 10, 2024
Pezeshkian, often celebrated in Western narratives as a potential beacon of change in Iran, has made it abundantly clear that he intends to adhere strictly to the Supreme Leader’s directives. His political stance is deeply intertwined with personal devotion, often professing his love for the Supreme Leader. His history is marked by the enforcement of stringent social policies from the dawn of Iran’s Islamist revolution, including the mandatory hijab for women, which he championed with fervor.
This image sharply contrasts with his actions and recent praises for Qasem Soleimani, the former commander of the Quds Force, notorious for his role in Iran’s controversial foreign policy. Pezeshkian’s admiration for Soleimani solidifies his alignment with the regime’s aggressive international stance, distancing him further from the reformist label.
🇮🇷🇷🇺 Iran’s president-elect, Masoud Pezeshkian, stated in a phone call with President Putin that Iran is ready to sign a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement with Russia in October at the BRICS summit in Kazan. pic.twitter.com/reYVO0d0uD
— DD Geopolitics (@DD_Geopolitics) July 9, 2024
However, the true shift in Iranian politics may lie not in its leadership but in the public’s reaction to the electoral process. The recent election witnessed an unprecedented boycott, with voter turnout plunging to record lows, reportedly falling below 20%. This significant withdrawal from the voting process underscores a growing disillusionment among Iranians with both the electoral system and the regime, hinting at a pivot towards more passive forms of resistance, such as civil disobedience.
This sweeping boycott sends a resounding message to the international community and those monitoring Iran’s political climate: the Iranian people are clamoring for genuine change. This sentiment presents a crucial opportunity for the West to reconsider its engagement strategy with Iran. Instead of focusing on regime figures, who are often seen as mere puppets of the Supreme Leader, there should be a greater emphasis on understanding and supporting the broader movements within Iran striving for a truly representative and democratic governance.
⚡️BREAKING
Iran’s newly elected president has sent a message to Hezbollah.
Masoud Pezeshkian has informed Hassan Nasrallah that Iran will continue to unconditionally support the resistance. pic.twitter.com/f3vBbrfI2t
— Iran Observer (@IranObserver0) July 8, 2024
Pezeshkian’s rise to the presidency, framed under the guise of moderation, is scrutinized by both his actions and the public’s overwhelming response. There are no free elections in Iran, and the more we all make believe to placate a terrorist state like Iran, the worse off the world is.
Major Points
- Masoud Pezeshkian, hailed as a reformist, has shown unwavering loyalty to Iran’s Supreme Leader, contradicting the portrayal of him as a moderate.
- Pezeshkian has consistently affirmed his commitment to uphold existing hard-line policies, expressing deep personal devotion to the Supreme Leader.
- His history includes enforcing strict social policies during the Islamist revolution, and he has praised controversial figures like Qasem Soleimani, aligning with aggressive foreign policies.
- The recent election saw unprecedented low voter turnout, indicating widespread disillusionment among Iranians with the regime and its electoral process.
- The significant boycott signals a demand for true democratic reforms, urging the international community to focus on supporting the broader movement for freedom and representative governance in Iran.
Al Santana – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
