Iran's exiled prince, activists condemn attack on Trump
The assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump has shocked many Iranian political activists, who are carefully watching the American presidential election.
The assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump has shocked many Iranian political activists, who are carefully watching the American presidential election.
Exiled Prince Reza Pahlavi reacted with posting a tweet condemning the violent political act.
“I am shocked and dismayed by the assassination attempt on President Trump. I extend my best wishes to Mr. Trump and his family and pray for his speedy recovery. I also offer my condolences to the victims and the American people. Political violence has no place in democracies,” Pahlavi who is a leading opposition leader said.
Many other activists also posted comments on X, mostly expressing satisfaction that the assassination attempt failed and hoping that Trump would win in November and adopt a tougher stance against the Islamic government in Tehran.
Reactions from Iran were still muted early on Sunday, with some websites simply publishing the brief news of the incident without much comment.
However, the Iranian government and its inner circle watch the US election campaign with keen interest, as the re-election of Trump could mean renewed pressure on Tehran. Trump pulled out of the Obama-era JCPAO nuclear deal in 2018 and imposed heavy economic sanctions on Iran that are still in place. The Biden administration has not been vigilant in enforcing the oil export restrictions and the Iranian government fears that his return would mean more economic pressure.
A dissident commentator, Reza Taghizadeh, tweeted that the assassination attempt "was the last nail in the coffin of Biden's candidacy" and bad news for the Islamic Republic.
Others weighed in arguing that constant attacks on Trump and conservatives as "extremist right wingers" inevitably increase the likelihood of political violence.
The military leaders included Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri, IRGC Chief Hossein Salami, Army Commander Abdolrahim Mousavi, Police Chief Ahmad-Reza Radan, and Defense Minister Mohammad Reza Ashtiani.
Despite a history of tensions with some past governments, Bagheri declared, "The armed forces are ready to assist the new government in advancing the country's affairs."
Last week, the IRGC chief-commander had congratulated Pezeshkian on his election victory, stressing the Revolutionary Guard's "all-out preparedness" for enhanced cooperation with the incoming administration.
The IRGC, founded after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, has grown into a powerful entity with substantial military, economic, and political influence. Its hardline stance contrasts sharply with the reformist agenda of greater political openness, economic liberalization, and improved relations with the West.
Administrations, like those of Presidents Mohammad Khatami and Hassan Rouhani, pushed for engagement with the West, while the IRGC remains committed to preserving revolutionary principles and resisting Western influence. This has led to frequent power struggles, with the IRGC often undermining their policies and supporting hardline candidates.
Former centrist President Hassan Rouhani sharply criticized the IRGC in 2017 for exerting influence over political and economic affairs. However, Pezeshkian, who is presented by some as a reformer, has pledged to follow policies charted by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Economically, reformist attempts to curb the IRGC's dominance in sectors like construction, telecommunications, and energy have been met with resistance, as the IRGC seeks to maintain its economic stronghold.
