The representative of Iran’s Supreme Leader to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has defended the country’s negotiators against accusations of treason from hardline conservatives over a recent memorandum of understanding with the United States.
Abdollah Hajji Sadeghi said accusing Iranian officials of betraying the country or acting against the wishes of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei was incompatible with the leader’s own position.
In a message addressed to IRGC commanders and members of the Basij paramilitary force, Hajji Sadeghi said officials whom Khamenei had described as “sincere, hardworking and well-intentioned” should not be branded as traitors. He also rejected claims that the MoU, which Khamenei had authorised, was illegitimate.
“The Supreme Leader’s message should be the final reference for understanding our duties,” Hajji Sadeghi said, stressing that differences of opinion should not divert the country from loyalty to the leadership.
Mojtaba Khamenei was appointed Iran’s highest authority following the killing of his father, Ali Khamenei, in US-Israeli strikes on 28 February. His funeral was held on Saturday.
