Mohammad Khatami, the former President of Iran, described the wave against Hassan Rouhani's government initiated by the 'We Regret' campaign as a 'conspiracy.' Mr. Khatami, who supported Hassan Rouhani during the recent presidential election and played a role in his victory, emphasized on Monday evening, December 18, at a gathering of members of the Combatant Clergy Association in Kashan, that he does not regret his support and continues to insist on it. In recent days, a campaign has emerged on social media with the hashtag 'We Regret,' in which some citizens who voted for Hassan Rouhani challenge his policies and accuse the government of failing to follow through on its promises. Among these citizens are well-known figures, including Ali Karimi, a former star of the Iranian national football team, who wrote on Instagram that he apologizes for his support of Hassan Rouhani in the election. However, Mohammad Khatami has deemed this wave as 'targeted and premeditated' and has criticized it sharply. According to Khatami's information website, he stated: 'We are not only not regretful of our support and vote for Mr. Rouhani, but we also continue to support him firmly and consider him successful. This destructive wave that has emerged is a targeted and premeditated conspiracy to demoralize the people.' The former President of Iran also reiterated the need for reforms in the country, stating that 'given the existing capacities, we must strive to reform matters even in the current situation.' These remarks come amid numerous reports in recent months of increased restrictions on Mohammad Khatami, with security agents repeatedly preventing him from leaving his home. Some analysts have described Khatami's situation as quasi-house arrest. One of Hassan Rouhani's promises during his two presidential election campaigns was to lift the house arrest of Mir Hossein Mousavi, Zahra Rahnavard, and Mehdi Karroubi, which has not yet been fulfilled, although in recent months, Mehdi Karroubi has been able to meet with several political figures at his home. Nevertheless, figures close to Hassan Rouhani have strongly attacked the 'We Regret' campaign, including Hesamoddin Ashna, an advisor to Rouhani, who called it a 'propaganda campaign' and stated that this campaign was supported by 'those who should be accountable to our people for their actions and inactions. They have plundered the wealth and happiness of the nation.'
Khatami: Wave of Regret Over Voting for Rouhani is a Conspiracy
Former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami has condemned the 'We Regret' campaign against Hassan Rouhani's government as a conspiracy aimed at demoralizing the public. Khatami, who supported Rouhani in the recent elections, insists he does not regret his support and emphasizes the need for reforms in Iran. The campaign has gained traction among citizens disillusioned with Rouhani's policies.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Mohammad Khatami condemned the 'We Regret' campaign against Hassan Rouhani's government, labeling it a conspiracy aimed at undermining public morale. He reaffirmed his support for Rouhani and called for reforms despite growing dissatisfaction among voters.
- The 'We Regret' campaign has gained traction on social media, with citizens expressing disappointment in Rouhani's policies.
- Khatami's comments come amid increased restrictions on his movements, indicating a broader context of political repression.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Iran has a history of political factions, with reformists like Khatami advocating for change while facing opposition from hardliners. The current administration's failure to meet promises has led to public disillusionment.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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