WANA (June 22) – When Mohammad Khatami won the 1997 election with the help of his friends, his close circle initially focused on bringing the reformist movement to power and securing good positions for themselves. In 1997, most people who assisted Khatami in his campaign were not politically superior to him, and none had his popularity.

 

During Khatami’s first and second terms, he maintained complete control over the behavior of his ministers and associates. His popularity among the people, especially the youth, was so high that few dared to oppose his directives.

 

Although some of his allies sought to distance themselves from him during his second term and mocked him for his interactions with higher authorities, Khatami’s dominance over his cabinet was still evident. The radical reformists wanted Khatami to adopt a more aggressive stance against the regime. When he refused to follow their suggestions, they derided him, saying, “Khatami is a good swimmer in a pool but not in the sea.”

 

Hassan Rouhani also owes his two presidential terms to the support of the reformists. After the brutal defeat by Ahmadinejad and enduring his eight-year presidency, the reformists were desperate to return to power by any means necessary, even if it meant supporting Rouhani, who did not align with their party ideals.

 

Reformist leaders, from Hashemi Rafsanjani to Mohammad Khatami and many former ministers of the reformist government, reminded Rouhani that he owed his victory to their support. However, Rouhani’s character and political weight were such that they couldn’t extort concessions from him.

Masoud Pezeshkian, the presidential candidate from the reformist front, in a meeting with Mohammad Javad Zarif, the former foreign minister in Hassan Rouhani's government. The favorable foreign minister of Pezeshkian is Javad Zarif. Date 12 June 2024 - social media / WANA News Agency

Masoud Pezeshkian, the presidential candidate from the reformist front, in a meeting with Mohammad Javad Zarif, the former foreign minister in Hassan Rouhani’s government. The favorable foreign minister of Pezeshkian is Javad Zarif. Date 12 June 2024 – social media / WANA News Agency

While both Khatami and Rouhani, in different ways, made concessions to the political currents aligned with them, this was not overtly visible.

 

Iranian reformists, who called Rouhani a “rented womb,” sought a candidate more committed to their vision in the upcoming election. Ultimately, they nominated Masoud Pezeshkian as their candidate for the 2024 presidential election. The Guardian Council approved his candidacy, and he officially entered the race with reformist support.

 

Many in Iran believe there are significant differences between Pezeshkian, Khatami, and Rouhani. Pezeshkian lacks the popularity and charisma of Khatami and the security and diplomatic experience of Rouhani. If Pezeshkian becomes president, the vast differences in his discourse and lifestyle compared to previous reformist presidents will likely lead to chaos and autonomy within his government.

 

The prominent reformists supporting Pezeshkian have specific motives. They do not believe in Pezeshkian as much as they think. This circle, composed of radical reformists, is more interested in inciting electoral tension with fiery speeches than clarifying their candidate’s views.

 

Critics openly state that Pezeshkian’s close circle is primarily after their financial and political interests, showing little regard for his religious and ethical values.

 

Mohammad Javad Zarif is using campaign speeches not to promote the reformist candidate but to respond to harsh criticisms regarding his handling of nuclear negotiations. Critics believe Zarif managed the nuclear talks in the worst possible way.

 

Zarif, who could have quickly appeared as a presidential candidate and garnered votes, now appears alongside Pezeshkian out of necessity and for specific reasons. Given Zarif’s proud and self-important nature, it is hard to imagine him following Pezeshkian’s directives as foreign minister if Pezeshkian wins. However, Pezeshkian admitted in debates that he lacks expertise in foreign policy and plans to delegate it to Zarif and other experts.

 

Will internal strife plague Pezeshkian’s administration due to a discordant cabinet? Are the opponents of the reformist candidate right in claiming that Pezeshkian’s entourage consists of political undesirables and opponents of the Islamic Republic?

 

By WANA writer