Australian Iranian Community Calls for Designation of IRGC

“We place great importance on high participation because the most significant effect of high participation is the honor of the Islamic Republic,” Khamenei stated in a speech on Tuesday.

In what some experts said was an attempt to rally Iranians behind the regime's rhetoric of 'foreign enemies', he said, “The Islamic Republic has enemies. One of the things that can defeat these enemies is the election. If high participation of the people is observed in this election, it will be a source of honor for the Islamic Republic.”

A recent poll by the Netherlands-based Gamaan Institute suggest that at least two thirds of eligible Iranian voters have decided to abstain from casting a ballot.

In the 2021 presidential election in Iran, the voter turnout was notably low, recorded at around 48.8%, which was the lowest in the history of the Islamic Republic's presidential elections​.

The upcoming election is expected to face similar challenges, with projections of low turnout due to increasing social repression and the ongoing economic crisis facing the country.

The country's snap presidential election is set to be held on June 28 following the sudden death of Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash last month.

Khamenei’s speech, delivered on Eid al-Ghadir—a significant Shiite Islamic holiday—emphasized the connection between religious duty and civic participation. Many observers noted that this was a transparent attempt to reinforce Tehran’s faltering legitimacy amid increasing internal and external pressures. He asserted, "Iran's strength does not lie in possessing an array of missiles, but fundamentally in the active participation of its citizens in the electoral process."

Additionally, Khamenei subtly indicated his favored presidential candidate by firmly rejecting any negotiations with the United States. He stated, "Some of our politicians believe they must align themselves with one power or another, or that the path to progress necessarily leads through the US; this is a grave misconception. Those who look beyond our borders fail to recognize and value our inherent capacities; naturally, they lack the vision to utilize them."

This stance would potentially appear to disqualify three of the six approved presidential candidates, including Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Mostafa Pourmohammadi, and Masoud Pezeshkian. Pezeshkian, in particular, is seen as disadvantaged due to his association with former Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, the so-called architect of the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA), who advocates for dialogue with other countries, including the US, to lift current sanctions.

Khamenei's speech also suggested the Supreme Leader’s ongoing efforts to “purify” the political landscape by narrowing down the circle of trusted regime insiders. He even urged the future president to vow, "Make a solemn pledge before God that you will refrain from appointing individuals and agents who deviate even slightly from the revolutionary path.

Despite mounting criticism of the country’s isolationist foreign policy, Khamenei appeared steadfast in his "Looking East" strategy, emphasizing relations with China and Russia over the West. He attempted to deflect any criticism saying, "Contrary to popular misconceptions, we are not pursuing isolation or severing our global ties. Except for a few nations, we are open to fostering connections with the broader international community."

"We expect that this agreement will be signed in the very near future, since work on the text is already close to completion. All the necessary wording has been found," RIA cited Deputy Russian Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko as saying in an interview.

Earlier in June, Russia's foreign ministry said that work on the agreement was temporarily suspended, while Iran said there was no break in preparing the new pact. Zamir Kabulov, a Russian foreign ministry official, was cited as stating on June 11 that "This is a strategic decision made by the leadership of both countries. The process has halted due to issues faced by our Iranian partners."

Later, both Iranian and Russian officials issued statements reiterating that work to finalize the agreement was in progress and reports about its suspension were exaggerated.

The Islamic Republic of Iran and Russia are strategic adversaries of the United States and their cooperation reached a new level in 2022 when Iran began supplying hundreds of suicide drones to Moscow to attack civilian and infrastructure targets in Ukraine. Reports have also emerged indicating possible ballistic missile deliveries.

Europe and the United States have warned Tehran against further military cooperation with Moscow, sanctioning dozens of individuals and companies involved in weapons deliveries.

Tehran and Moscow initially signed a long-term agreement in March 2001. Officially known as the Treaty of the Foundation of Mutual Relations and the Principles of Cooperation between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Russian Federation Act, it was initially set for ten years but was extended twice for five-year terms.

According to Iran’s ambassador to Russia, the countries agreed to extend the agreement for another five years in 2021, setting its expiration date in 2026.

In 2023, reports of possible difficulties in developing the new agreement with Russia, resulting from protests from Iran in response to a joint statement issued following the Russia-GCC Strategic Dialogue, were made.

In particular, the disagreement concerns one point in the GCC joint statement, from July 2023, which Iranian officials believe reflects Moscow's solidarity with the UAE's position on the territorial dispute regarding three islands in the Persian Gulf that Tehran considers to be its territory. Moscow's explanations were unsatisfactory to the Iranian side.

The 2001 pact called, among others, for cooperation in security, energy projects, including the peaceful use of nuclear energy and the construction of nuclear power plants, industry and technology, according to its text published on the Kremlin's website.

Very few details have emerged on what the new agreement would include. After Russia launched its full-scale invasion on Ukraine in 2022 and subsequent sanctions on Moscow by Kyiv's allies, Russia and Iran have firmed investment, military and energy ties.

Memorial services organized by the Iranian government globally in their honor, faced significant criticism from opponents of the Islamic Republic, sparking widespread discontent and controversy.

In Washington DC, a staff member of Iran's Interests Section in the US exacerbated tensions. In a video circulated on social media, Ramezan Soltan-Mohammadi was observed making a threatening gesture towards protesters, leading to an extended restraining order against him by a US court on June 17.

This incident, occurred on May 22 on the sideline of Raisi’s memorial service held by the Islamic Education Center (IEC) in Maryland, sparking renewed scrutiny into the ties between this sizeable mosque in Potomac and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Despite concerted efforts over the years by the administrative staff and board members of IEC to keep a low profile and refrain from drawing undue attention to this prominent Shia center in Montgomery County, the facility has consistently faced accusations from critics who allege it has functioned as a haven for supporters of the Islamic Republic for numerous years.

These allegations against the IEC, which also serves as a mosque, seem firmly grounded in reality.

Federal prosecutors in Manhattan initiated legal action to seize this center in 2009 for its connection to Alavi Foundation, a New York City-based organization accused of illegally providing money and services to Iran and spending millions of dollars to obtain and develop properties in violation of federal laws that ban trade with Iran, the New York Times reported.

IEC managers have endeavored to distance themselves from Alavi and have long asserted that the mosque's association with the foundation is purely that of tenant to landlord.

Furthermore, the management board has opted to enhance the organization's public image by revising its mission statement, asserting that it functions solely as a place of worship and religious center without any political affiliations. Nevertheless, there are compelling facts that contradict these assertions. Since its inception, the leaders and members of this organization have consistently shown fervent support for the Islamic Republic, demonstrating unwavering devotion and admiration for the regime in both rhetoric and actions.

Hosting Raisi’s funeral and several meticulously organized ceremonies directed by authorities in Tehran serve as undeniable examples that underscore the current bond.

Such is the depth of influence that throughout its operational history, the prayer leader of the center has consistently been appointed by Tehran. The current Imam, Ahmad Bahraini, who has served at the center for approximately two decades, previously held the position of Ali Khamenei's representative at Shahid Beheshti University before relocating to the United States.

His predecessor, Hojatolislam Mohammad-Reza Hejazi, sparked controversy when he was detained at Washington Dulles International Airport in 2005 while trying to depart for Iran with nearly $100,000 in cash, disregarding US tax rules.

The IEC's notable connections to Tehran include hosting prominent figures and clerics closely associated with Iran's power structure. Mohsen Qara'ati, a high-profile clergyman with ties to the regime; Mohammad Kazem Rashed Yazdi, a cleric with personal connections to Ali Khamenei; Mohsen Taj Langaroudi, a prominent loyalist cleric; and Mohsen Taheri, a well-known eulogist affiliated with the Khamenei’s office, have all been hosted by IEC and visited the US at the center's invitation.

According to Iranian International investigations, the IEC has been found to have substantial ties with the Iranian Interest Section (IIS). This section acts as the representative of the Iranian government in the absence of formal diplomatic relations between Washington and Tehran. Our interviews with knowledgeable individuals suggest that certain current or former staff members of this center, as well as their spouses, have been employed by the ISS. Additionally, over the years, the center has frequently organized non-religious activities that align with the objectives of the Islamic Republic.

The authorities of the IEC have shown no willingness to respond to the claims stated.

According to its website, the Islamic Education Center in Washington was founded as a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting Islam through cultural and religious activities. Despite its location in Potomac, Maryland, the decision to include "Washington" in its name reflects a historical dispute stemming from the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran.

The Center was established amid controversy following the expulsion of several of its current members from the prominent mosque of nation’s capital due to their occupation of the premises in 1981. According to the Washington Post, the dispute originated when "about a dozen demonstrators who support Iranian leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini occupied the mosque."

As reported by the newspaper, the board of the mosque, consisting of ambassadors to the United States from more than 40 Islamic nations, took legal action. Subsequently, a Superior Court judge issued an order for the demonstrators to evacuate the premises. When they declined to comply, some of the zealous supporters of Islamic Republic were charged with criminal contempt.

With sustenance from the Alavi Foundation, followers of Khomeini who were expelled from the Islamic Center of Washington instituted their own sanctuary by acquiring and renovating a sizable facility located in an affluent Maryland area.

The Islamic Center of Washington has displayed no interest in responding to Iran International’s questions regarding the four-decade-old conflict.

Netanyahu said on Monday that Tehran is actively working on multiple fronts to destroy Israel, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by Iranian proxy groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.

“At any cost and in any way, we will thwart Iran's intentions to destroy us,” the Israeli prime minister told the Knesset.

He described the situation as an "existential war on seven fronts," asserting that Iran is openly attempting to annihilate Israel.

Iran has long been a key supporter of both Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, providing financial aid, weapons, and training to these groups.

Since October 7, Israel has been engaged on two primary fronts: Gaza and Lebanon. Following a series of escalations, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have intensified their operations against Hamas in Gaza, aiming to dismantle its infrastructure and halt rocket attacks on Israeli territory. Concurrently, tensions with Hezbollah have flared along Israel's northern border with Lebanon.

In his Monday speech, Netanyahu said as the IDF advances deeper into Gaza, more evidence of Iran's anti-Israel activities has come to light.

He argued that Iran has underestimated both Israeli resilience and the country's determination to protect itself, stating that Israel is prepared to impose a significant toll on its aggressors.

His remarks come one day after the top US general warned that any Israeli offensive in Lebanon would risk a broader conflict that draws in Iran and its proxies, particularly if Hezbollah's existence is threatened.

"From our perspective, based on where our forces are, the short range between Lebanon and Israel, it's harder for us to be able to support them in the same way we did back in April," Brown said.

He was referring to a massive Iranian missile and drone attack against Israel from Iranian territory on April 13 that failed to inflict any serious damage as Israeli and allied forces downed almost all projectiles.

Speaking Monday, Pezeshkian revealed, "Money disappears in the country in amounts as significant as 70 trillion, and it is unclear where it goes, while our people have to search through garbage bins for a piece of bread to survive."

He did not specify whether the figure was in rials or tomans. If in rials, this equals around $116 million; if in tomans, approximately $1.16 billion. The revelation comes as Iran’s annual budget for the current year is over $100 billion and the six presidential candidates vie for the top seat.

Iran is currently grappling with gross embezzlement issues and widespread poverty, which have eroded public trust in governmental institutions and exacerbated social inequalities.

Numerous high-profile embezzlement cases have been uncovered, involving senior officials and businesspeople who exploit loopholes and weak oversight to siphon off public funds.

The systemic corruption drains crucial resources from public services and development projects, impacting the everyday lives of ordinary Iranians. Despite Iran's vast oil reserves and natural resources, a significant portion of the population struggles with poverty, high unemployment rates, and inflation.

At least one third of Iranians are now below the poverty line, forcing many to scavenge for food and essentials.

Iran's snap elections on June 28 follow the sudden death of Ebrahim Raisi last month in a freak helicopter crash.