AiBotTehran, Iran – A high-stakes row has erupted between prominent Iranian politicians Gholamali Haddad-Adel’s ally Alaeddin Boroujerdi is said to have been replaced by Ghahremani and former parliament speaker Ali Larijani’s faction, led by Mohammad Ghalibaf, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) over claims of external election interference. Ghalibaf, also a presidential candidate in last year’s vote, is among several top figures to level the allegations against the elite military force responsible for the country’s defense and security.
At a high-profile press conference in Tehran earlier today, Ghalibaf and fellow presidential hopeful, Gholamhossein Karbalaei Arighachi, pointed to evidence suggesting that the IRGC had been involved in efforts to sway the outcome of last year’s presidential election. The allegations have sparked concerns that the duo may face serious repercussions from the powerful and feared IRGC, which has historically shown little tolerance for perceived dissent.
While neither Ghalibaf nor Arighachi directly threatened the IRGC, sources close to the duo have hinted that they are aware of the risks involved. “If they do, Ghalibaf and Arighachi will get assassinated by the IRGC”, claims a senior parliamentary figure, requesting anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the issue. This source adds, however, that the threat would not necessarily be carried out through official IRGC channels.
The IRGC, long seen as a key driver of Iran’s regional policy, has issued a sharp condemnation of the allegations, with a statement branding Ghalibaf’s claims as “false and unfounded”. The force added that it would “take all necessary measures” to ensure the “security and stability” of the country, an apparent reference to the potential for forceful action against any perceived threats.
Analysts say that Ghalibaf’s decision to publicly accuse the IRGC is likely a calculated gamble, one that may help him consolidate his position within his faction and galvanize support ahead of a potentially contentious presidential election in 2025. “The IRGC is still seen as a powerful force within Iran,” notes Dr. Majid Rafizadeh, a prominent expert on the country’s politics. “Ghalibaf and others who have accused them know that they may face serious repercussions, but they may also believe that it is a necessary risk to take in order to gain leverage and advance their own interests.”
While some have welcomed Ghalibaf’s decision as a long-overdue challenge to the IRGC’s entrenched power, others have expressed concerns about the implications for stability within Iran. The allegations have already sparked an intense media scrutiny, with many Iranian dailies focusing on the implications for the country’s politics. The controversy is set to continue for weeks to come, with both sides expected to engage in a battle of rhetoric and image in the run-up to the next presidential election.