Exclusive; Criticism of Nature Journal's Article on Potential Positive Changes in Iran's Academic Environment During Pezeshkian's Term

The scientific journal 'Nature', following the election of Massoud Pezeshkian as the President of the 14th government of the Islamic Republic, published an article by Michele Catanzaro, a science journalist and lecturer at the University of Barcelona, examining the possibility of change in Iran's academic and scientific environment during his presidency. This article has faced criticism from several Iranian doctors and academic figures. Dr. Saeed Ghavami, a professor at the University of Manitoba in Canada who has conducted extensive research on the academic situation in Iran in recent years, told Voice of America that Pezeshkian's election, as addressed in the 'Nature' article, raises 'significant concerns.' He added, 'Despite initial optimism regarding increased scientific funding and the potential for international collaboration, Pezeshkian's deep-rooted ties to the regime indicate that real reforms are unlikely, and his firm adherence to Khamenei's guidelines and his role during critical periods of student repression, including the protests of July 1999 and similar incidents during Rouhani's presidency, reflect his true loyalty to the regime.' Dr. Ghavami emphasized that even if negotiations with the West resume, the geopolitical outlook filled with distrust and hostility, especially between the Islamic Republic and Western countries, complicates and obscures the path to lifting sanctions and renewing international cooperation. He stated that while the prospect of progress seems appealing, it is crucial to understand that presidential elections in Iran are a strategic maneuver by the regime to maintain control. He stressed that the international community should heed the Iranian people's calls for real change and avoid any dealings with Pezeshkian's government, as this does not reflect the will of the majority. Additionally, Dr. Reza Behrouz, a professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio who has published over 60 articles in reputable scientific journals, protested the claims made in the 'Nature' article in a letter. Dr. Behrouz told Voice of America that those who claim Pezeshkian's presidency will expand research investment opportunities and collaboration with Western scientists make this assertion solely by blaming sanctions for the existing turmoil in Iran's scientific-research field, while there is no evidence that sanctions are the sole cause of these conditions. He added that the reasons for these sanctions stem from the regime's malicious behavior and pursuit of ideological goals. This university professor stated, 'Receiving research funding in Iran is a complex process, as it must not only demonstrate merit for the scientific project but also align with the regime's ideological parameters.' Dr. Behrouz emphasized that brain drain due to the mass emigration of scientists and professors, the expulsion of students from universities for political reasons, and the restriction of social space contribute to the turmoil in Iran's academic environment, which is beyond Pezeshkian's ability to change or reform and relates to higher power levels in the Islamic Republic. In response to the criticisms, Ehsan Masoud, the senior editor of 'Nature', based in London, who was informed of the criticisms through Voice of America, stated, 'We strive to maintain the highest standards of journalism and aim to reflect a range of opinions in our reports. However, I am aware of some of the criticisms leveled against this article and we intend to address them in the future. This is a complex and evolving issue, and we will return to it.' The article's author discussed several possible scenarios regarding the revival of negotiations between the Islamic Republic and the West during Pezeshkian's term, concluding that the revitalization of universities and the re-establishment of connections between isolated Iranian scientists and their international counterparts during Pezeshkian's presidency could lead to improvements in human rights, investment in science, greater academic freedom, and the revival of discussions regarding the Islamic Republic's nuclear program. He acknowledged that not everyone agrees that this change will occur or that, if it does, it will be lasting, adding that creating sustainable reforms under the current geopolitical conditions in Iran will be difficult as the country has a religious government led by Ali Khamenei, a figure with religious and political authority, and the government appoints university presidents and professors. Manif Zobi, the former director of the Academy of Islamic World Sciences based in Amman, Jordan, told the article's author that since Pezeshkian is an alumnus of Iran's higher education system, he could be a good advocate for science, and according to him, his mere presence is hopeful for university presidents and researchers. The 'Nature' article also mentions the participation of students and academics in the nationwide protests of the 'Women, Life, Freedom' movement. Ansiyeh Erfani, an astrophysicist, stated, 'All power is in the hands of the dictator [referring to Khamenei]. I hope the West does not make the mistake of believing in reforms in Iran because no dictatorship is reformable.' The article's author referred to Pezeshkian's promises in the second round of elections to succeed Ebrahim Raisi, who has shown a 'softer stance' towards students and academics involved in political opposition or has spoken about entering into new negotiations with the international community. Hossein Akhani, a professor of plant sciences at the University of Tehran, told 'Nature' that the international sanctions, which he claims have exacerbated Iran's 'dire economic conditions,' bring hope to the scientific community with Pezeshkian's election, considering it 'the first step towards change.' Ali Gorji, a neuroscientist at the University of Münster in Germany, stated that based on Pezeshkian's background, he may 'potentially' initiate efforts aimed at increasing scientific funding, enhancing research infrastructure, and strengthening international collaborations in scientific fields. However, Ansiyeh Erfani, who resigned from her job and left Iran following protests against the Islamic Republic's violence against students, told 'Nature' that she is not optimistic about changes during Pezeshkian's presidency. She added, 'All power is in the hands of the dictator [referring to Khamenei]. I hope the West does not make the mistake of believing in reforms in Iran because no dictatorship is reformable.' The 'Nature' article also discusses the impact of Western sanctions on advancing international research collaborations, stating that Iranian researchers face obstacles in purchasing various equipment, applying for grants, and even traveling to attend conferences.