A Friday prayer leader of Tehran has warned of the “enemy” working against upcoming elections in Iran.
“The enemy is trying to interfere with Iran’s elections, so we all need to ensure a strong voter turnout,” said Ali Akbari, according to the state-owned Tasnim News Agency.
“The enemies aim to prevent the people from participating in the elections by waging psychological warfare, demoralizing them, and seeking to tarnish security while casting doubt on the legitimacy of the elections,” said Akbari.
In March, Iranians will vote to elect members of the “Assembly of Experts,” responsible for selecting the Iranian Supreme Leader.
These elections are crucial, given the heightened regional tensions involving Tehran-supported armed groups.
The incumbent Iranian Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, is currently 85 years old.
Also, Iranian officials are worried about a repeat of the 2020 elections, where competition was limited to conservatives and hardliners after excluding reformists and moderates.
The Iranian Guardian Council rejected former President Hassan Rouhani’s request to participate in the elections for the body responsible for choosing the successor to Khamenei.
Rouhani, associated with reformists, served three terms in the Assembly of Experts since 1999. Iranian authorities are cautious about a potential recurrence of past election dynamics.
On another note, a senior commander in the Iranian Army has affirmed that his country stands prepared to neutralize any potential threat.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran's Army is currently at the peak of full readiness and stands strong against any threats,” said Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari, deputy chief of the Iranian Army for coordination.
Sayyari reaffirmed Tehran’s robust preparedness, stating that the army is well-equipped to defend the nation’s security, independence, and system.
Sayyari highlighted the army’s formidable capabilities, attributing them to well-trained personnel and advanced local equipment, ensuring constant readiness against potential threats.
