Ayatollah Khamenei activated the trigger mechanism earlier than Europe.
Ayatollah Khamenei activated the trigger mechanism earlier than Europe.
Masoud Pezeshkian’s government is nearing the end of its honeymoon. The dollar has surpassed 92,000 tomans, and Pezeshkian might achieve a historical record: in less than a year in office at Pasteur, he has managed to double the dollar’s price, effectively halving the value of the rial.
Regardless of the reformists’ fallacies, who consider him the heir to the ruin of this and that, it is clear that since he was aware of the situation and accepted responsibility, he can no longer blame his predecessors for his evident weakness and inability. However, after the Leader of the Islamic Republic’s speech on February 11, he delivered the final blow to the hopes of those who, with fear and hope, went to the polls and voted for him, hoping that this minimal option from the reformist camp might open a window.
His absolute obedience to Ayatollah Khamenei’s words, which during the election period were painted and designed by artists and designers as wisdom and were considered a reason for aligning with the leadership for future major breakthroughs, seemed to fade with the first rain of truth. He, without question, followed his superior and deemed negotiations with America against honor and rationality. Although the savior’s cloak was too large for the elderly man from Tabriz from the start, it has now completely fallen off, and the honeymoon is over. Trump came, made an offer, and the leadership rejected it. Pezeshkian, like an obedient follower, repeated his master’s words.
The reformists, who initially tried to paint a hopeful picture in the face of Ayatollah Khamenei’s firm stance by interpreting his words as part of a negotiation, were immediately confronted with a tweet from Mehdi Fazaeli, a member of the Leader’s office, and realized that interpreting the Leader’s words to suit their views is prohibited.
But now, with Pezeshkian’s and his foreign minister’s absolute obedience to the policy of no negotiation with America, those who tried to make him a hero in the fight against sanctions and isolation realized the game is over, and Pezeshkian is the reformist version of Raeisi: a compliant and trouble-free subordinate for his superiors.
From this point in history onwards, the Islamic Republic, faced with the challenge of structural corruption, the role of privileged offspring, widespread inefficiency and imbalance at the level of pension and energy funds, and many serious governance issues like the deteriorating environmental situation, must also grapple with a serious and significant crisis named Trump.
This is happening at a time when its relations with Europe are in a poor state, and the shadow of the trigger mechanism being activated by Europe looms over it. Internally, the people’s frustration and anger are boiling, and the possibility of the return of UN sanctions and the securitization of the nuclear file casts the shadow of war over the country. What is certain is that the parallel and increasing growth of the two pillars of inefficiency and dissatisfaction has reached a critical point.
There are many problems and limited solutions. Pezeshkian, who still seems not to believe he is seated in Pasteur and on the presidential chair, either advises officials or calls for reconciliation, and it is clear his hand is empty. Now, with this president and his government, and the disappointed and frustrated people, and numerous problems, what will happen? We have to wait a bit.
