(February 23, 2020 / JNS) Hardliners favored by Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei swept Iran’s parliamentary elections on Friday after the disqualification of thousands of moderate and conservative candidates by the nation’s Guardian Council, which reports directly to Khamenei.
However, the economic crisis in the country could force the regime to negotiate with the United States despite ruling out talks unless sanctions are lifted, Reuters reported on Saturday.
The parliament does not hold real power in the country, which is strictly under Khamenei’s control.
Many voters decided not to cast their ballots due to the country’s economic situation, and the U.S. pressure on oil exports may force Iranians back to the negotiating table, according to the report.
Tensions remain high between the United States and Iran, especially since a U.S. drone killed Iranian Quds Force commander Gen. Qassem Soleimani in Iraq on Jan. 3
An Iranian official that asked not to be named told Reuters that “hardliners are eyeing the presidency” in a presidential election scheduled for next year.
“A victory by hardliners in the presidential election, combined with growing economic hardship, might open a new chapter between Iran and America,” the official said.
“Remaining in power is the main concern for Iran’s top leader. Securing the existence of the Islamic Republic mainly depends on improving the economy,” said another senior official, close to the hardline camp, according to the report.
Candidates affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps did well in Friday’s election.
Support Jewish Journalism
with 2020 Vision
JNS is more than just another news website and syndication service. It is an organization devoted to nonstop reporting, and telling the truth about Israel and Jewish issues unburdened by the biases and institutional blinders that distort so much of what we read, hear and see about these topics elsewhere in the secular and even Jewish press.
At JNS, you get the facts about Israel and Jewish issues without the bias that so often tilts the argument against the Jewish state. JNS articles and columns are republished every week by digital outlets and print newspapers across the globe. But in the age of round-the-clock news coverage, advertising and syndication revenues are not enough to support our continued growth. We need your financial help to keep JNS on target as we continue our fair and accurate reporting.
Please help us take JNS to the next level with a tax-deductible sponsorship, either on a recurring monthly basis. Jewish News Syndicate is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization.