Rouhani Warns of Undermining Presidential Powers in Iran

Former Iranian President Hassan Rouhani is seen at a meeting with Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the members of the Assembly of Experts. (Supreme Leader's website)
Former Iranian President Hassan Rouhani is seen at a meeting with Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the members of the Assembly of Experts. (Supreme Leader's website)
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Rouhani Warns of Undermining Presidential Powers in Iran

Former Iranian President Hassan Rouhani is seen at a meeting with Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the members of the Assembly of Experts. (Supreme Leader's website)
Former Iranian President Hassan Rouhani is seen at a meeting with Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the members of the Assembly of Experts. (Supreme Leader's website)

Former Iranian President Hassan Rouhani strongly criticized the Iranian electoral body for disqualifying him from running in the Assembly of Experts elections that were held in March, describing the move as a threat to the country’s political system, particularly the presidency.

Rouhani has repeatedly asked for explanations from the Guardian Council, the body overseeing Iranian elections.

His disqualification was unexpected and came during elections aimed at selecting influential clerics for the Assembly of Experts, who would potentially choose the next Supreme Leader.

Rouhani’s recent political rejection raised eyebrows in political circles, considering his extensive track record.

Having served as President for eight years (2013-2021) and previously holding key positions like Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council for 16 years under reformist leaders, Rouhani seemed like a formidable candidate.

Additionally, his 24-year stint in the Assembly of Experts added weight to his credentials.

On Monday, Rouhani revealed details of a “confidential” letter from Ahmad Jannati, head of the Guardian Council, explaining the reasons for his disqualification.

The Council, a key institution under Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, holds significant sway, with half its members directly chosen by him and the others indirectly selected.

According to a statement on Rouhani’s official website, the Guardian Council responded after he sent four letters asking why he was rejected and three more requesting supporting documents.

Rouhani briefly mentioned the points from the Guardian Council’s letter, indicating he was accused of “disrespecting the judiciary and the Council”, “lacking knowledge and political vision”, “not following the constitution”, “challenging religious beliefs”, and being “untrustworthy”.

However, Rouhani provided a detailed response exceeding 5,000 words, defending himself. He said it “was not just a personal defense, but a defense of the republic and the system,” and that he would not stay silent against this injustice.

He warned that future presidents could lose political freedom if they face similar charges.

Rouhani explained that his criticism of being accused of lacking political vision was due to his government’s openness to the West, particularly regarding the 2015 nuclear deal negotiations.

He said the Guardian Council’s message unfairly judged the deal and Iran’s foreign and regional policies.

He defended the nuclear deal with major powers as a symbol of domestic moderation and constructive global engagement.

He blamed both the parliament and the Guardian Council for blocking his government’s efforts to revive the deal. He urged the Council to read the nuclear deal thoroughly, noting that its implementation involved various government bodies.

Moreover, Rouhani rejected claims that his government had neglected foreign policy, citing improved ties with Russia and China.

He questioned the basis for judging his political vision, emphasizing widespread support among Iranians.

Rouhani’s failed bid for membership in the Assembly of Experts was his latest attempt to maintain influence since leaving office in August 2021.



Türkiye Releases Over 120 People Charged with Taking Part in Protests

09 April 2025, Türkiye, Sisli: Supporters of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu shout slogans during a rally to protest against his arrest in front of the Sisli Municipality in Istanbul. Photo: Tolga Uluturk/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
09 April 2025, Türkiye, Sisli: Supporters of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu shout slogans during a rally to protest against his arrest in front of the Sisli Municipality in Istanbul. Photo: Tolga Uluturk/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
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20

Türkiye Releases Over 120 People Charged with Taking Part in Protests

09 April 2025, Türkiye, Sisli: Supporters of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu shout slogans during a rally to protest against his arrest in front of the Sisli Municipality in Istanbul. Photo: Tolga Uluturk/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
09 April 2025, Türkiye, Sisli: Supporters of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu shout slogans during a rally to protest against his arrest in front of the Sisli Municipality in Istanbul. Photo: Tolga Uluturk/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Türkiye on Thursday freed more than 120 people detained during last month's mass anti-government protests.
Courts in Istanbul released on bail 127 defendants, most of them university students, who were arrested at their homes on March 24 after taking part in demonstrations sparked by the jailing of the city’s opposition mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, The Associated Press reported.
Imamoglu, who was arrested on March 19 on corruption and terrorism charges, is seen as the main challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s 22-year rule.
More than 2,000 people were detained for taking part in the country’s largest mass demonstrations in more than a decade. Of those, some 300 were jailed awaiting trial.
Those freed on Thursday are charged with participating in banned protests. One court released 102 suspects, many of them students with upcoming exams, after considering the time they had spent in prison, the low risk of absconding and on condition of not traveling abroad. A separate court released a further 25 people on condition that they report to police regularly.
The releases follow a campaign by parents to have their children set free, with many holding daily vigils outside a prison in Silivri, west of Istanbul.
Among those released was prominent demonstrator Berkay Gezgin, a 22-year-old student who met Imamoglu on the campaign trail in 2019 and coined the slogan “Everything will be fine,” which the Istanbul mayor later used in his campaign.
The defendants’ cases will be heard in June and September at Istanbul’s Caglayan Courthouse.