The International Institute for Iranian Studies (Rasanah) has issued its monthly Iran Case File for July which provides readers in general, and researchers in particular, with an in-depth analysis and comprehensive review of Iranian affairs in order to accurately assess the recent Iranian interactions at domestic, regional and international levels. The file is divided into three main parts: Internal Affairs, Arab Affairs and International Affairs.
Iranian Lawmakers’ Motion to Question Rouhani
The interactions at the ideological level were calm and cautious. Amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic in Iran and the date of Muharram rallies quickly approaching that start in Iran and move towards the Iraqi city of Karbala every year, the Iranian people are awaiting fatwas to suspend these rallies.
In the political sphere, the newly-elected Parliament dominated by conservatives launched a campaign to interrogate President Hassan Rouhani as a prelude to removing him due to his failure in fulfilling his electoral promises. The nuclear deal’s loopholes, which Rouhani signed with the West, and the hostile atmosphere in the new Parliament prepare the ground for the moderates to be sidelined in the presidential elections scheduled to be held next year.
The Economic File sheds light on the long-term economic agreement between Iran and China which was announced amidst Iran’s ongoing economic and military crisis. It also reviews the military agreement Iran concluded with Syria through which Tehran claims that it has addressed the needs of Damascus.
The UN Confirmation of Iran’s Involvement in Yemen
As for Iran’s interactions at the Arab level, the file discusses the visit of Iraqi Prime Minister Mostafa al-Kazimi to Tehran where he met with Iranian officials. It also reviews the latest developments in Yemen, including the emergence of new pieces of evidence and reports documenting Iran’s involvement in the smuggling of weapons to the Houthi rebels. This comes amid the Houthis’ use of blackmail tactics similar to the Iranians. The Houthis have taken control over port revenues and have hinted at causing an environmental disaster through sinking the Safer oil tanker which has been seized by them.
As for international affairs, Iranian interactions, when it comes to relations with the United States were characterized by a continual rejection of any negotiations with the United States. Khamenei said that he will not enter into negotiations with the United States for Trump to use this as a diplomatic triumph to boost his position in the presidential elections. However, he has hinted at the possibility of entering negotiations if Trump loses the presidential elections.
