Iran’s Presidential Hopefuls Discuss Foreign Policy in Fourth Debate

In a conclusion to the debate, Alireza Zakani delivered a critique of Iran's previous administrations, highlighting their failures and urging citizens to take action in the upcoming election.

Zakani began his remarks by referencing the symbolic "key" introduced by former President Hassan Rouhani, which was supposed to unlock numerous issues facing the country. He mocked the promise, stating, "Do you remember this key? It didn't unlock any doors. Instead, it created more locks, and no locksmith ever came."

Furthering his attack, Zakani pointed out that neither the nuclear issue nor the basic needs of the people had been adequately addressed. He warned voters, "The same people have returned with a new facade, aiming to form the third Rouhani administration," referring to ‘reformist’ Masoud Pezeshkian’s campaign.

In a bid to restore hope, Zakani assured the audience of his commitment to solving the country's problems. "I have both a plan and a record," he asserted confidently, urging people not to lose hope despite the failures.

Saeed Jalili, during the wrap-up of the debate on foreign policy, emphasized the need to not only lift sanctions but also ensure that those imposing them regret their actions.

"Foreign policy's job is to defend the rights and interests of the nation," Jalili asserted.

Jalili also touched on the potential of technology in economic development, saying, "With artificial intelligence, we can create markets for our youth." He pointed to innovation as a key driver for overcoming economic challenges and fostering employment opportunities for the younger generation.

Amir-Hossein Ghazizadeh Hashemi acknowledged that the sanctions are not “ineffective but not the end of the world” for Iran, emphasizing a pragmatic approach and warning against utopian idealism.

"Foreign policy is not a place for utopian idealism," Ghazizadehsaid, signaling a call for realism in diplomatic engagements.

He critiqued past decisions regardingIran's nuclear program, noting, "They shut down the entire nuclear program, but the sanctions were not lifted."

Praising the current administration, he said, "Ebrahim Raisi understood the language of the world well." He claimed that Raisi's strategies have been more effective in navigating the complexities of international relations.

"If you want the sanctions to be curbed, you need to continue Raisi's approach," Ghazizadeh Hashemi added."Foreign policy is a field of action.”

Masoud Pezeshkian addressed various critical issues and presented his vision for the country's future in his wrap-up.

Pezeshkian outlined his foreign policy goals, focusing on the importance of reconnecting with the global Iranian community. "One of the goals of my foreign policy is to bring back Iranians from all over the world to the country," he stated. He envisioned an Iran where citizens can live without anxiety and expressed his commitment to preventing emigration while encouraging expatriates to return.

"My foreign policy would pay attention to interaction, and a balanced foreign policy," Pezeshkian emphasized.

"I want foreign policy to make being Iranian a privilege for both those inside and outside the country," he added.

Critiquing current foreign policy approaches, Pezeshkian asserted, "I will not allow grandiose slogans in foreign policy to empty the people's pockets."

In the final segment of the debate, Ghalibaf took a stance against his opponent Masoud Pezeshkian, comparing Pezeshkian's campaign to that of former President Hassan Rouhani. Ghalibaf warned that electing Pezeshkian would mean a return to the governance style of ten years ago, which he believes would lead to increased societal strife and governance issues.

"People will definitely decide in a way not to go back," Ghalibaf asserted, stressing the need for progress rather than regression. He argued that a Pezeshkian presidency would result in renewed tension between the government and the Supreme Leader, which he views as detrimental to the country's stability.

Highlighting his tenure as mayor of Tehran, Ghalibaf stated, "We never made differences between Shiite and Sunni and male and female, and as a result, I could make the new Tehran." He credited his inclusive approach for the capital's development during his term.

Ghalibaf concluded his remarks by addressing the nation's economic concerns, promising to resolve current issues and stimulate economic growth if elected president. "I will resolve your current economic issues and make the economic growth realize," he pledged

Zakani emphasized the importance of Inclusion and transparency for the country's progress."There is no way out unless we involve people... All tribes, religions, and ethnicities must be involved, but some like to sideline certain groups," he stated.

Zakani highlighted the need to engage people in economic activities. "We must bring people to the economy table," he said.

"We should not create strife among people. We must develop infrastructures in the country, and we have all the capacities including mines, oil, sea, and everything. We need to develop the country and not damage the unity and integrity of the people," Zakani asserted.

Zakani also called for greater transparency, urging officials to be more open with the public. "Transparency helps people know the officials more. People, please know that there are many things going on behind the curtains here," he remarked.

Acknowledging the changing global landscape, Zakani praised the Raisi administration's achievements. "The world is changing. The Raisi administration realized the wishes of the previous government, especially in BRICS and Shanghai," he concluded.

Conservative Pourmohammadi responded to Zakani and hardliners, saying that UN sanctions were imposed during their government in the early 2010s, and now they blame Rouhani for negotiating.

He also questioned why former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's attempts to address corruption in oil contracts were thwarted. "For two times, Ahmadinejad wanted to resolve corruption in oil contracts, but why did you not let him do it?" he asked.

Heurged discussions and debates with those accused of corruption, emphasizing the need for transparency and financial responsibility. "Why do you escape having discussions and debates with those we accuse of corruption? We had to execute the contracts and not put more financial pressure on people," Pourmohammadi asserted.

Pourmohammadi highlighted the accusations against former Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh over the Crescent deal, stating, "Someone named former Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh is accused, and you say he has committed treason,” inflicting tens of billions of dollars of damage on the country. The nation should know what damage has been inflicted and understand its details, he said. “Why are you avoiding the debate?"

He also addressed criticisms regarding his stance on the JCPOA, saying, "You slam the JCPOA and say I am defending it. I have already expressed my stance on the JCPOA saying I had problems with the deal."

Hardliner Ghazizadeh harshly criticized the JCPOA, saying that the Rouhani administration took a bad agreement to the UN Security Council and "tied Iran's hands." Now, the Islamic Republic has to try to salvage whatever it can, he added.

Pezeshkian praised the "missile and drone" power of the Revolutionary Guard, stating that it has established significant deterrence.

"They have a preemptive effect."

In a series of statements aimed at countering remarks by other candidates, Pezeshkian emphasized the importance of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in addressing the country's economic issues.

"Without accepting JCPOA and resolving FATF, people are at loggerheads with us. We need to keep our stance unified to resolve these issues," he asserted.

Pezeshkian highlighted the nation's paradoxical situation regarding natural resources, stating, "We do not have natural gas in winter and during summer we cut off water while we have one of the largest oil and gas resources."

He further lamented the losses in joint gas and oil fields, noting, "In joint gas and oil fields, we are losing big shares."

Drawing a comparison between hardliners and international figures, Pezeshkian remarked, "Hardliners resemble Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, saying they are all opposed to the JCPOA."

He pointed out the adverse impact of such policies on the economy, adding, "Investors are exiting capitals from the country because they are losing their money."

Pezeshkian criticized the reliance on rhetoric, stating, "By chanting slogans, we cannot resolve economic issues. We must stop accusing each other of treason."

He also stressed the necessity of public support for success, concluding, "Without having people’s support, our achievements would not be realized."

Zakani refuted claims made by Pezeshkian, asserting, "I have never endorsed climbing embassy walls, and these remarks by Pezeshkian are a trick to win votes."

He highlighted his involvement in political activities, stating, "Regarding the political parties' activities, I have run one of the largest parties in the country.”

He emphasized his achievements in foreign policy during his tenure as mayor, noting, "In the past 33 months in office, I have practiced foreign policy, and its results are clear in my talks in Brussels and Beijing."

Zakani also criticized the oil sector's management during President Mohammad Khatami's term, claiming, "During Khatami's term, the greatest betrayals in the oil sector happened to the country." Referring to the Crescent case he said, "During Khatami's term, when Pezeshkian was also a minister, the greatest betrayals in the oil sector occurred."