Iran’s Acting President Addresses New Parliament Following Helicopter Crash

Iran’s acting President Mohammad Mokhber delivered a speech at the opening ceremony of the new parliament term on Monday, marking his first public address since the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of President Ebrahim Raisi and seven others last week.

Key Points from Mokhber’s Address:

1. Tribute to Ebrahim Raisi:
   • Mokhber praised Raisi’s tenure, highlighting significant achievements such as increasing Iran’s crude oil production to over 3.6 million barrels per day. Despite Western sanctions, Oil Minister Javad Owji reported that Iran is exporting approximately 2 million barrels daily.
2. Economic Stability:
   • Mokhber emphasized the stability of Iran’s economy under Raisi’s leadership, even amid military actions in Iraq, Israel, and Pakistan. He attributed this stability to the guidance of the supreme leader and Raisi’s efforts.
3. Upcoming Presidential Elections:
   • Iran is set to hold presidential elections on June 28 to elect Raisi’s successor. Mokhber’s speech comes just before the five-day registration period for candidates opens on Thursday. Analysts suggest that Mokhber may run in the election.
4. Support for Palestine:
   • Nasser Kanaani, the foreign ministry spokesman, reaffirmed Iran’s continued support for Palestinian resistance against Israel, despite the recent leadership change.
5. Sanctions and Diplomatic Efforts:
   • Kanaani also stated that Iran would persist in its diplomatic efforts to lift sanctions imposed mainly by the U.S. on entities supporting Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and foreign militant groups.

New Parliament Dynamics:

• Hard-line Dominance:
  • The new parliament, elected in March with the lowest voter turnout since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, sees hard-liners occupying over 230 of the 290 seats. The new speaker is expected to be selected on Tuesday.
• Role of Parliament:
  • While Iran’s parliament plays a secondary role in governance, it can exert significant pressure on the presidential administration, particularly regarding the annual budget and other critical legislation.

Background:

• Helicopter Crash:
  • The helicopter crash on May 20 resulted in the deaths of Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, and others. The incident occurred in a mountainous region in northwestern Iran.

Acting President Mohammad Mokhber’s address to the new parliament highlights Iran’s focus on maintaining economic stability, continuing support for Palestinian resistance, and navigating the upcoming presidential election amid a backdrop of internal and external challenges.