Rouhani's Full Support for the Revolutionary Guard

Hassan Rouhani, the President of Iran, on Wednesday, October 11, in a cabinet meeting, referred to the Revolutionary Guard as the 'beloved of the people' in Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Iraqi Kurds, stating that 'there is no disagreement among our factions to confront the plots of the enemies.' These remarks come as the U.S. President is expected to announce the overall strategy of the United States towards Iran by the end of the week, which is anticipated to include placing the Revolutionary Guard on the 'terrorist list' and addressing the future approach of the U.S. to the JCPOA. According to the Iranian presidential website, Rouhani said, 'If America wants to make the next mistake and take action against the Revolutionary Guard, this would be a mistake upon a mistake; the Revolutionary Guard is not just a military unit, but it is in the heart of this people and has defended our national interests in all days of danger.' Rouhani emphasized, 'The Guard is not only beloved by the Iranian people but also by the people of Iraq because it saved Baghdad; it is beloved by the Iraqi Kurds because it saved Erbil; it is beloved by the people of Damascus and Syria because it saved Damascus; it is beloved by the people of Lebanon because it has supported the dignity and independence of Lebanon; the Guard has always helped the oppressed and stood against terrorists.' The Iranian President stressed, 'There is no disagreement among our factions to confront the plots of the enemies, and we are all united and in a single line; there will be no tremor in our country, and the resilient people of Iran will stand firm against the plots.' Rouhani's government and the Revolutionary Guard had experienced internal disagreements in recent months, with officials from both sides criticizing each other from official platforms, leading to a widespread negative reaction from conservative factions towards the President's positions. Following this trend, Rouhani met with senior Revolutionary Guard commanders on July 24 and subsequently declared 'full support' for the Guard, with Mohammad Ali Jafari, the Commander of the Revolutionary Guard, stating that 'Rouhani responded positively to our criticisms.' In another part of his remarks on Wednesday, Rouhani claimed that Donald Trump opposes 'every action' taken by the previous U.S. President, calling it 'clear absurdity.' He regarded adherence to the Vienna nuclear agreement as 'a major test for all governments' and stated that 'it is truly shameful for the U.S. government to argue that it opposes everything the previous legitimate government did.' According to ISNA news agency, Rouhani added that if a government does not adhere to the Vienna nuclear agreement, 'it has, in fact, tarnished its own reputation.' His comments come as the U.S. President has not yet stated that he opposes the Vienna nuclear agreement solely due to its achievement during the previous administration. Trump has repeatedly described the JCPOA as 'the worst deal possible' and 'a source of shame for the United States,' with his administration considering it a very flawed agreement for remaining silent on other Iranian behaviors. The Iranian President also claimed that the U.S. withdrawal from the Vienna nuclear agreement is only harmful to the U.S., and the Islamic Republic has 'various options' in mind. Rouhani, referencing UN Security Council Resolution 2231 endorsing the Vienna nuclear agreement, stated that if the U.S. takes a 'hostile stance' against this agreement, 'it will not only oppose Iran but will also stand against the countries of the world and against the United Nations.' U.S. officials describe actions such as insisting on pursuing ballistic missile programs and supporting militia groups in the region as 'destabilizing and destructive behaviors of Iran,' viewing these actions as contradictory to the spirit of the JCPOA, which anticipates Iran's participation in regional and global peace and stability. Meanwhile, Sarah Sanders, the White House spokesperson, stated on Tuesday, October 9, that the U.S. President will announce the overall strategy of the United States towards Iran by the end of the week. According to some U.S. officials, it is expected that Trump will include the Revolutionary Guard on the list of terrorist organizations as part of the new strategy towards Iran. The Iranian Foreign Minister also spoke on Wednesday in a closed session of the parliament about the Islamic Republic's response to a potential U.S. action. According to Alireza Rahimi, a member of the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission of the parliament, Mohammad Javad Zarif stated in this session that 'red lines and reciprocal actions have been determined in the high supervisory board on the JCPOA.' According to this report, Zarif mentioned that if the Revolutionary Guard is placed on the terrorist organizations' sanctions list, the Islamic Republic will also take reciprocal action. The Iranian Foreign Minister also warned on Tuesday that if Washington takes such action, Tehran will also respond with reciprocal measures. Zarif did not mention other details of potential Iranian reciprocal actions. Massoud Jazayeri, the senior spokesperson for the Islamic Republic's armed forces, also threatened on Tuesday that 'America's behavior has frustrated the world, and it is time to teach America new lessons.' The Russian Foreign Ministry criticized the potential plan of the Trump administration to designate the Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization on Tuesday, October 9.