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.



Israeli Defense Minister Officially Steps Down

Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant talks during the joint statements after his meeting with Greece's National Defense Minister Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos (not pictured) at the Defense Ministry in Athens, Greece, 4 Μay 2023. (EPA)
Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant talks during the joint statements after his meeting with Greece's National Defense Minister Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos (not pictured) at the Defense Ministry in Athens, Greece, 4 Μay 2023. (EPA)
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Israeli Defense Minister Officially Steps Down

Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant talks during the joint statements after his meeting with Greece's National Defense Minister Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos (not pictured) at the Defense Ministry in Athens, Greece, 4 Μay 2023. (EPA)
Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant talks during the joint statements after his meeting with Greece's National Defense Minister Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos (not pictured) at the Defense Ministry in Athens, Greece, 4 Μay 2023. (EPA)

Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant officially stepped down Friday in a ceremony that replaced him with Israel Katz, the former foreign minister, after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired Gallant earlier this week.

Israel has been rocked by Gallant’s dismissal, with the news setting off mass protests across the country. Many in Israel view Gallant as the sole moderate voice in a far-right government, and see his removal as a sign that the far-right government of Benjamin Netanyahu has lost interest in returning hostages still held in Gaza, The AP reported.

Israel Katz, his replacement, currently serves as foreign minister and is a longtime Netanyahu loyalist and veteran Cabinet minister.

Also Friday, the Israeli military body handling aid to Gaza, COGAT, said it is preparing to open a new aid crossing into Gaza as the deadline for a US deadline to increase desperately-needed aid into the war-ravaged territory approaches. But the body did not say when the crossing will open nor if aid will be delivered to north of Gaza, where the UN and aid groups say the humanitarian situation is most dire.

The United Nations humanitarian office says Israel's monthlong offensive in northern Gaza is preventing the estimated 75,000 to 95,000 Palestinians in the north from receiving essential items for their survival.

On Thursday, the Israeli military says it will allow 300 truckloads of humanitarian aid supplied by the United Arab Emirates to enter the Gaza Strip in the coming days. That’s less than the 350 trucks per day that the United States said it wants to see enter the war-ravaged territory.