An Iranian judicial official has issued a warning that Tehran will file “criminal cases” against anyone who “obstructs voting” in its presidential election at designated polling stations abroad.
Kazem Gharibabadi, the Deputy of International Affairs of the Judiciary, announced on Wednesday that "criminal cases will be filed and pursued against any Iranian or non-Iranian person abroad who, through "insult and threat or creating fear and intimidation," prevents Iranians from participating in the presidential election voting."
The announcement follows a note of protest sent by the Iranian Embassy in London to the British government on June 30. The embassy claimed that there were "attempts to disrupt the presidential voting process and cause trouble for the voters."
It came after the first round of the presidential election, where some individuals in the UK protested outside Iran's missions against Iranians participating in the polls, urging them to boycott the elections as 60 percent of the populace did.
Opposition activists and many regime critics both within Iran and abroad say that the election is a sham exercise by the government, which has denied real freedom of choice to voters and has brutally suppressed dissent.
Since its establishment in 1979, the Iranian government has faced extensive criticism for its human rights violations, including numerous executions and extrajudicial killings. The government has consistently used the death penalty as a means of political repression, targeting dissidents, activists, and minorities. Widespread reports of torture, arbitrary detention, and unfair trials highlight the methods employed by security forces to suppress critics.
Human rights organizations continue to document the abuses, underscoring the government's ongoing crackdown on freedom of expression, assembly, and belief. Despite international condemnation, the Iranian government persists in these practices, creating an environment of fear and repression for its citizens.
The ultraconservative Jalili and the relatively moderate Pezeshkian frequently accused each other of lacking expertise, basic knowledge, and plans, and of making false promises.
At the start of the debate, Pezeshkian said, "Last night it seemed as though I disrespected the national hero Haj Qasem Soleimani. I consider him a symbol of national pride and a thorn in the side of our enemies, and if our youth follow his path, many of the country's problems can be solved."
During the debate on Monday night, Pezeshkian used a Persian expression to highlight Soleimani’s role in creating trouble for the United States in the region. However, this expression could easily be interpreted as belittling the IRGC operative.
Although the debate was supposed to focus on the economy, much of the discussion revolved around nuclear negotiations, the failure of the JCPOA, the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic, and negotiations with the West, with both candidates reiterating their previous positions.
In response to a question about why he opposed the Strategic Action Plan passed by the parliament in December 2020 to authorize more uranium enrichment, Pezeshkian said, "It's not true to say we don't accept the law. We said from the beginning we would follow the framework of the law and the policies of the Supreme Leader. So, there's no way we wouldn't implement the law."
Previously, key figures in Pezeshkian's campaign, including Mohammad Javad Zarif, had criticized the Strategic Action Plan and called Jalili "a source of sanctions." The law, enacted as President Joe Biden won the White House, was meant to harden Iran’s negotiating position before expected talks to revive the 2015 JCPOA nuclear agreement, which was abandoned by the Trump administration.
Pezeshkian added, "One of the issues with this law is that the US must fulfill all its commitments before we return to the JCPOA. We need to discuss with the parliament, the Supreme National Security Council, and other relevant bodies to find a common language to address this challenge."
Jalili responded, "The parliament passed a law, and it must be followed."
Ali Khamenei praised the law and warned that no one should deviate from it.
Jalili continued, "We fulfilled our obligations under the JCPOA. You should be demanding compliance from the other side, not pressuring the nation to make concessions. When the other side hasn't fulfilled their commitments, what concessions are you going to make? Tell the people."
Without mentioning Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's government or his own role, Jalili said, "You talk about honesty. The governments of Hashemi, Khatami, and Rouhani, which included your friends, have been in power, and you're still demanding more. You've been in power for 40 years."
The fundamentalist Jalili is the main figure in an ultraconservative political faction that believes most other politicians loyal to the Islamic Republic and Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei are weak in their religious zeal and commitment to a more extremist version of the Islamist vision. Jalili and his allies were staunch supporters of former President Ebrahim Raisi and his “revolutionary” administration.
Pezeshkian replied, "You claim to have achieved results, so where are they? Didn't you promise to double employment and build a million homes a year? In these three years, you've only issued permits for 900,000 homes."
He added, "You say you have plans; why didn't you give them to Mr. Raisi to implement? Weren't you part of his team?"
Pezeshkian pointed to Jalili and said, "This person's entire experience is being the head of the National Security Council and reviewing some papers. Someone who hasn't managed anything now claims to have a plan for the country."
Referring to the significant boycott of the first round of elections, Pezeshkian said, "Despite all our campaigning, only 40% of the people participated. 60% did not, rejecting all of us. If this mindset prevails, turnout will drop to 20%. Can you govern the majority with just 20%?"
He concluded, "The 60% boycott in the first round sends a message to the government. I've heard and continue to hear this voice of doubt, dissatisfaction, and disillusionment."
During the debate, Saeed Jalili accused Pezeshkian of lacking basic knowledge, even in healthcare, despite being a physician. "It's good that Mr. Pezeshkian recites Quranic verses and hadiths, blessing our session. But these hadiths should be put into practice."
He added, "Mr. Pezeshkian, you lack knowledge on many topics and even basic information on some. Yet you want to become president."
Jalili concluded, "Already, they're shouting against me because they know I'll address their corruption in state-owned companies. I need the people's support to tackle these issues. Those who belittle Iran's capabilities continue to undermine our potential."
The leap highlights the kingdom's successful diversification of its economy away from oil dependency, driven by the Vision 2030 plan.
In contrast, Iran's economy continues to suffer under the weight of international sanctions, which have crippled its oil revenue streams. Iran's annual oil revenue stands at around $37 billion, almost on par with Saudi Arabia's PIF profit, but the actual cash income from crude exports to China remains undisclosed, raising suspicions about the transparency and efficiency of Iran's economic and oil export policies.
Total revenues for PIF more than doubled to $88.3 billion last year from $44 billion in 2022, driven by improvements in investment and non-investment activities across sectors such as banking, telecommunications, and gaming. Increased dividends also played a significant role in the growth. This diversification showcases Saudi Arabia's strategic approach to reducing its reliance on oil, which contrasts with Iran's continued dependence on fossil fuel revenues.
Iran's National Development Fund (NDF), established in the early 2000s to save part of oil revenues for future generations, has seen its reserves depleted. Iran's autocratic policies and economic mismanagement have led to repeated withdrawals from the NDF, especially during times of international sanctions. Despite the NDF's original purpose, the fund has been used to offset the country's budget shortfalls, highlighting a lack of foresight and planning.
With around $925 billion in assets under management, PIF is Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's chosen vehicle to drive an ambitious economic agenda aimed at diversifying Saudi Arabia's economy. The Vision 2030 plan has funneled hundreds of billions of dollars into projects like NEOM, a massive urban and industrial development along the Red Sea coast. This project alone aims to create a high-tech hub nearly the size of Belgium, underscoring the kingdom's commitment to a future less dependent on oil.
Critics argue that Iran needs to shift towards knowledge and technology to create a sustainable economic model. However, research investment in Iranian companies remains below one percent, a contrast to the four percent recommended by experts. This lack of investment in innovation further hampers Iran's economic prospects.
Despite the lifting of most crippling sanctions in 2015 following a nuclear agreement, Iran continued to tap into its NDF reserves. During President Hassan Rouhani’s tenure (2013-2021), $30 billion was withdrawn. As former US President Donald Trump re-imposed sanctions, Iran increasingly relied on its reserves, resulting in a negative cash flow in the NDF. This persistent reliance on the NDF to shore up government finances has left the fund in a precarious state, undermining its intended purpose of providing for future generations.
Under late hardliner President Ebrahim Raisi, the pace of withdrawals from the NDF has only accelerated, further undermining Iran’s economic stability. His administration faced criticism for failing to implement necessary economic reforms and for continuing policies that have led to increased international isolation and economic hardship. This mismanagement stands in contrast to Saudi Arabia's strategic investments and economic reforms through the PIF, which showcase a forward-thinking approach that has strengthened its financial standing on the global stage.
The Iranian government's prioritization of its nuclear program and regional proxy conflicts over domestic well-being has left the country economically vulnerable and politically isolated, while its regional rival Saudi Arabia looks to a future of more investments and growth.
