July 14, 2024
The West should be cautious of Iran's reformist rhetoric
Back to Allby Farhad Rezaei, Senior Research Fellow
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The West should be cautious of Iran’s reformist rhetoric. At this juncture, playing into the regime’s game could only enable Iran to breakout with an actual bomb, an outcome no Western country should desire.
As newly-elected President Masoud Pezeshkian steps into his role, advocates of engagement with the regime in Iran are quick to label him a “reformist,” poised to redirect Iran’s path and revive nuclear negotiations in exchange for lifted sanctions.
Yet, a critical examination reveals different realities. Firstly, Pezeshkian has never self-identified as a reformist, contradicting the narrative being promoted. Secondly, the true reins of power, especially concerning foreign and military policies – nuclear and ballistic missile policies included – remain firmly in the hands of the Supreme Leader, reducing the presidential role to largely symbolic gestures. Finally, a review of historical trends shows that Iran’s most significant progress in nuclear and missile capabilities has occurred under presidents dubbed as “reformists,” not hardliners.
Western governments must be wary: The persistent dichotomy between reformists and hardliners is a calculated deception crafted to manipulate the international community. With Iran nearing a critical threshold in its nuclear weapons development, falling for this facade could lead to irreversible consequences.
First of all, it is important to note that Pezeshkian is a strong supporter of the regime’s hardline policies. During the presidential campaigns, he said he fully adheres to the policies of Ali Khamenei. His record also shows that he has been a strong advocate of mandatory hijab and promotes gender segregation in education and healthcare. In one of his presidential debates, Pezeshkian noted that he “enforced compulsory Islamic hijab on women in universities and hospitals even before Ayatollah Khomeini formally made hijab compulsory for all women,” and that he was responsible for “cleansing” universities of non-Islamic influences.
Pezeshkian is also a strong supporter of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its terrorist proxy groups, such as Hamas and Hezbollah. When he was a member of the Islamic Majlis, he signed a bill supporting armed resistance against Israel and endorsing the regime’s participation in armed conflict against Israel on behalf of the Palestinians. After his election, in an open letter to Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, Pezeshkian expressed unwavering support for Hezbollah and the Axis of Resistance against Israel. As he put it, “The Islamic Republic has always supported the resistance against Israel… and it will continue with strength.”