Iran President Reportedly Submits Resignation, Raises Concerns Over IRGC’s Growing Influence

Tehran: On Sunday, sudden news shook the politics of Tehran. Iran International's report claimed that President Massoud Pejeshkian had sent his resignation to the Supreme Leader. In the letter, Pejeshkian wrote that the president and the government have been sidelined in taking major decisions for the country. They allege that the radical factions of IRGC i.e. Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have taken control of all the important matters. Pezeshkian said that in such circumstances he is helpless in running the government and fulfilling his legal responsibilities, hence he wants to leave the chair immediately.

Has the Supreme Leader replied? 

It is not yet clear whether Mojtaba Khamenei said yes or no to the resignation. But the contents of the letter tell us that all is not well among the people at the top in Tehran. There is a tremendous tussle going on in the corridors of power.

How did the president's office deny this news? 

The president's office dismissed this report as a mere rumour. Seyed Mehdi Tabatabei, deputy head of the communications department, was enraged. He said, "Don't take the statement of a fame-hungry young man seriously. This is all a trick of foreign networks." Mehdi indicated that some people are deliberately creating this narrative that youth cannot run the government.

What allegations did the Iranian official make on the foreign media? 

Mehdi Tabatabei said that these infamous foreign channels have done such things before also. "They have abandoned reality and published their fabricated story." He bluntly said that President Pejeshkian will not step back from serving the people. "Just as the Iranian community will not move away from the path of unity and resistance, the president will also stand firm. Those who want to break the unity of Iran will take this desire to the grave."

What did the agency associated with IRGC say? 

Tasnim news agency, considered close to the IRGC, reported, citing a government source, that Pejeshkian had not submitted any resignation. They are doing their work the same way they were doing it before. The agency rejected the news of resignation outright. Currently, two stories are going on in Tehran. On one hand there is talk of resignation letter, on the other hand there is denial by the government. Time will tell what the truth is, but it is certain that something is cooking inside the government of Iran.