In the lead-up to Iran’s presidential elections, Vahid Haghanian, the Executive Deputy of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, has emerged as a contentious figure.
His candidacy has spurred widespread speculation and confusion among analysts and political observers due to the regime’s notorious penchant for secrecy and manipulation. Haghanian has positioned himself as Khamenei’s confidant, an assertion that has drawn sharp criticism from the Tasnim News Agency, linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and the Kayhan newspaper, which follows directives from Khamenei’s office. These outlets argue that no candidate should publicly claim loyalty to the Supreme Leader, labeling Haghanian’s campaign tactics as unethical.
This public rebuke has left many Iranian analysts and Persian-language media perplexed about Khamenei’s actual preferences for the election. The internal disputes hint at deeper divisions within the Supreme Leader’s inner circle, leading to various theories about the regime’s electoral strategy.
Further complicating matters, the dissident group “GhiamSarnegouni” released documents on June 6, shedding light on Haghanian’s influential role within the regime. These documents reveal his longstanding positions in Khamenei’s office and within President Ebrahim Raisi’s administration, holding a status higher than that of a minister.
Who Is Vahid Haghanian, The Invisible Hand of Khamenei Now in #Iran’s Presidential Spotlighthttps://t.co/JbPvTZg5BG
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) June 1, 2024
The leaked files chronicle Haghanian’s appointments over the years:
– October 7, 2018: Appointed as Presidential Advisor.
– October 8, 2020: Became Deputy for Special Affairs of the Supreme Leader in the Presidential Institution.
– February 2, 2022: Named Special Deputy to the Supreme Leader, according to a letter from Raisi’s Vice President Mohammad Mokhber to the Industry, Mining, and Trade Minister.
– March 9, 2023: Listed as Presidential Advisor in the presidential organization’s servers.
– March 15, 2023: Registered in the Presidential Office with a rank equivalent to ministers and vice presidents.
– May 23, 2023: Listed as a Presidential Advisor in leaked parliamentary files.
– December 10, 2023: Designated Special Deputy in the Supreme Leader’s Office.
Haghanian, often referred to as Dr. Haghanian, appears in multiple official documents, underscoring his prominence in the regime’s hierarchy. For instance, in a directory of over 7,900 regime leaders, his confidential contact information is listed multiple times.
On June 1, Haghanian formally announced his candidacy by presenting his identification at the Ministry of Interior’s election headquarters, emphasizing that his decision to run was a personal one.
These revelations have added layers to the intrigue surrounding Haghanian’s candidacy. The documents detail his high-ranking positions, suggesting he wields significant influence within the regime. However, his portrayal as Khamenei’s closest ally in his campaign has sparked controversy, reflecting the opaque and often contradictory nature of Iranian politics. Historically, various entities have misjudged Tehran’s political dynamics, often entangling themselves in the regime’s manipulations. The current situation with Haghanian underscores the complexity and the intricate power plays within Iran’s political landscape as the country heads towards another pivotal election.
MEK Iran (follow us on Twitter and Facebook), Maryam Rajavi’s on
her site, Twitter & Facebook, NCRI (Twitter & Facebook),
and People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran – MEK IRAN – YouTu