Hassan Rouhani Says He Takes Pride in Freedoms in Iran

Hassan Rouhani, whose government has faced attacks from opposing and hardline media in recent weeks, said on Saturday at an iftar gathering with media representatives: "Strengthening hope and trust in society and striving to prevent the people's hope from being harmed is essential." The President of Iran referred to the role of state media, IRIB, as a national media outlet in explaining government actions, stating: "Today, one can feel the scent of spring from this media, and the situation is somewhat different from before." Emphasizing his election by the people, he said: "If the government is elected by the people and its actions align with national goals, then supporting the government means supporting the people, and the government needs media and should be able to communicate and interact with them." Rouhani also stressed the importance of public opinion, saying: "It is the duty of media professionals to align public opinion with the goals of the Islamic Republic of Iran." The President of the Islamic Republic of Iran stated on Saturday evening that he "takes pride in the freedom of the press, media, and expression in Iran," although he acknowledged that there are still problems and shortcomings in this regard. Reza Haghighatnejad, a journalist in Turkey, commented on Rouhani's statements regarding IRIB and civil liberties in Iran to Radio Farda, stating that Rouhani's claim somewhat ignores the complete situation of critics and opponents of the government. While Rouhani takes pride in freedom of expression and opinion, Ayatollah Khamenei, just a few buildings away, stated in a meeting with professors that he has always emphasized political activity in universities and that the existence of various political leanings in universities is not an obstacle, but these environments should not be exploited to oppose the revolution and revolutionary values. Majid Mohammadi, a sociologist and political analyst in New York, commented on Khamenei's statements regarding universities to Radio Farda, saying that the leader's remarks are full of contradictions. In his meeting with media representatives on Saturday, Hassan Rouhani also mentioned his discussion with Khamenei regarding economic issues, stating that Khamenei considered one of the major achievements of the eleventh government to be the establishment of tranquility in the economy and society.