Iran Update, July 11, 2024
Some senior IRGC commanders have emphasized in recent days the need for the Iranian political establishment, particularly hardliners, to accept and support Iranian President-elect Masoud Pezeshkian in order to preserve political stability. Former IRGC Commander Major General Mohsen Rezaei said on July 10 that Pezeshkian should be considered part of “the revolution front,” which is a reference to parts of the hardline camp.[3] Rezaei further stated that those who support the regime and Islamic Revolution must also support Pezeshkian. IRGC Aerospace Force Commander Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajji Zadeh similarly on July 11 called on supporters of runner-up presidential candidate Saeed Jalili to respect Pezeshkian’s victory and avoid criticizing the electoral process.[4] Hajji Zadeh described Pezeshkian as “the president of the entire nation and of every Iranian.” Hajji Zadeh also noted that former President Ebrahim Raisi’s death could have triggered a “major crisis” but that the regime averted such a crisis and conducted two rounds of voting within a week “without the smallest problem.” Rezaei’s and Hajji Zadeh’s statements are consistent with CTP-ISW’s previous assessment that Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei prioritized regime legitimacy and stability over installing his preferred candidate in the election.[5]
https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-july-11-2024
Iran Update, July 12, 2024
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf conducted bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Russia, Ethiopia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Tajikistan on the sidelines of the BRICS parliamentary forum in St. Petersburg, Russia, on July 11 and July 12.[49] Ghalibaf emphasized Iran’s interest in increasing economic relations during his meeting with Armenian deputy speaker Rubin Rubinian.[50]
Ghalibaf also met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian State Duma President Viacheslav Valodin separately on July 11.[51] Ghalibaf invited the Russian Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Valodin to the President-elect Masoud Pezeshkian’s inauguration next month.[52] Iranian Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali announced at the forum that Russia and Iran have finalized the comprehensive cooperation agreement after two and half years of negotiations.[53]
https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-july-12-2024