Multiple Messages from Pompeo Criticizing the Governance of the Islamic Republic

Mike Pompeo, the U.S. Secretary of State, tweeted early Wednesday: "Iran's President, Rouhani, said 'many people have lost hope in the future of the Islamic Republic and doubt its power.' This is understandable when one-third of Iranian youth are unemployed, while government officials' parking lots are filled with Range Rovers and BMWs." Pompeo's remarks may relate to the recent criticisms and multiple references by Hassan Rouhani and government officials regarding the spread of despair and the 'virus of pessimism' in Iranian society. On the evening of Wednesday, June 13, during a meeting with media representatives, the Iranian President dedicated most of his speech to the topic of 'despair' regarding the government and elections and 'psychological warfare,' stating that 'I do not approve of despair in the country at all.' Rouhani's government has particularly faced harsh criticism from social media users, including Twitter and Telegram, in recent months. Many of these users express regret for voting for Rouhani in the elections or criticize those who did. In response to these criticisms, Rouhani has defended his government's achievements by asking, 'Why should we raise the issue of regret from the ballot box?' The U.S. Secretary of State's mention of luxury cars being available to government-affiliated individuals comes after recent reports indicate that car imports in Iran are controlled by a few limited families, who have profited significantly from receiving state currency and the recent increase in car prices. According to a list published by the Central Bank, about 4,900 foreign cars were imported into the country with state currency valued at 4,200 tomans. Early Wednesday, Pompeo tweeted several other messages regarding Iran, some of which were parts of his remarks at the 'United Against a Nuclear Iran' organization meeting. The lobbying group 'United Against a Nuclear Iran' consists of several former and current high-ranking U.S. officials. In one of these messages, Pompeo wrote: 'The United States tells the people of Iran: We support your right to live as a free nation under a government accountable to you that respects you. You deserve more than this fruitless revolution imposed on you by corrupt leaders.' In another message, Pompeo stated: 'Due to the failed policies of this regime, the people of Iran are struggling with severe water shortages and environmental crises. The Iranian regime is more concerned about heavy water than drinking water.' In another tweet, he wrote: 'If countries do not want to change their policies towards Iran in light of this evidence, that is their choice. But how can any country that claims to sympathize with the people of Iran continue to trade with rogue and oppressive ayatollahs?' The United States considers Iran's regional policy to be 'destabilizing' and has imposed heavy sanctions on Iran to change this policy. These sanctions have led to a collapse in the value of Iran's national currency and significant economic difficulties, but Iranian officials have ruled out changing their policy and negotiating with the U.S., while making similar accusations of 'corruption and oppression' against U.S. officials. In this context, a 48-page report by the U.S. State Department on 'Iran's destructive actions' was released, with Pompeo stating that the European initiative to create a special mechanism for cooperation with Iran is unconstructive. Pompeo also noted that Trump will have a special tone regarding Iran.