Mohammad Khatami: The Non-Election of Rouhani Means a Stronger Likelihood of Sanctions Resuming

Mohammad Khatami, the former president of Iran, while supporting Hassan Rouhani's candidacy for the 2017 presidential elections, stated that Rouhani's non-election would increase the likelihood of a return to international isolation and sanctions. According to Khatami's official website, he said on Tuesday, April 12, during a meeting with members of the Supreme Policy Council of Reformists, "As Mr. Jahangiri and the wise of the country believe, the interest of the people and the country lies in the continuation of Rouhani's government." The twelfth presidential election in Iran will take place on May 29, featuring candidates including Hassan Rouhani, Eshaq Jahangiri, Ebrahim Raisi, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, Mostafa Hashemi Taba, and Mostafa Mir Salim. Khatami emphasized that for various reasons, our candidate is Mr. Rouhani. We all appreciate the power and capabilities of Mr. Jahangiri, who has entered the scene as a complement to Mr. Rouhani, but as he and the wise of the country believe, the interest of the people and the country lies in the continuation of Rouhani's government. The former president of Iran referred to the achievements of the eleventh government, stating, "The JCPOA, which resulted from the correct perspective and comprehensive efforts of the Hope and Prudence government, had good results, including breaking the international consensus against Iran and exiting global isolation, as well as lifting the suffocating grip of specific sanctions, which undoubtedly the presence of the people and their resistance have played a significant role in alleviating and warding off dangers. Today, the non-election of Mr. Rouhani means a stronger likelihood of returning to those difficult conditions." He called for support for Hassan Rouhani so that the current path continues with "new approaches and fresh measures from the government." During Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's eight-year presidency, Iran faced extensive international sanctions over its nuclear program. With the coming to power of Hassan Rouhani in 2013, Tehran's approach to the international community changed, ultimately leading to an agreement with six world powers in July 2015. Under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) agreed upon between Iran and the six world powers, Iran suspended many of its nuclear activities, and international sanctions against Tehran were suspended or lifted. Khatami also urged reformists to avoid presenting different lists in the city council elections as much as possible and to accept the final decision of the Supreme Policy Council of Reformists. Regarding women and youth in the council elections, he said, "Why shouldn't there be many women and youth among the more than one hundred thousand main members and tens of thousands of substitute members who are supposed to enter the councils this time? When will we give deserving young people and women of our country a chance? Of course, the expertise and other qualifications of young people and women should also be considered." He called on reformist groups to maintain their cohesion and unity in this sensitive situation, where some factions do not want any reformist to be present, and to avoid presenting multiple lists in the council elections. The city and village council elections will be held simultaneously with the presidential elections. In this context, the Stability Front announced support for Ebrahim Raisi, the presidential candidate. A case was formed against Karbaschi following his criticism of Iran's regional policy. Raisi, Qalibaf, and Mir Salim rejected withdrawing from the presidential race. Rouhani reiterated his "promise to lift the house arrest"; "I will pursue it with all my might."