Iran’s Ex-President Eyes Political Comeback Amid Post-War Challenges
Hardliners Push Back as **Rouhani** Seeks Reform; New Military Appointment Signals Security Focus
As Iran navigates the aftermath of recent conflicts, former President **Hassan Rouhani** appears to be maneuvering for a return to the political stage, advocating for reforms and improved public trust, moves that are reportedly facing resistance from hardline rivals within the regime.
**Rouhani** Calls for Reform
**Rouhani** is reportedly presenting the post-war period as an opportunity to reform governance and restore public trust. In a June 24 statement, **Rouhani** described the crisis as an opportunity to “rebuild the foundations of governance.”
He previously lobbied senior clerics in Qom to pressure Supreme Leader **Ali Khamenei** to accept a ceasefire. According to recent reports, **Rouhani** emphasized the need for a resilient economy and mutual trust between the state and society.
Hardliner Opposition
These efforts by **Rouhani** have triggered concern among hardline rivals. Statements criticizing **Rouhani** and his moderate stance have been circulating among regime hardliners, including **Alireza Zakani**, the mayor of Tehran. Jahan News, an outlet affiliated with **Zakani**, recently resurfaced an old remark by IRGC Aerospace Force Commander Brigadier General **Amir Ali Hajji Zadeh** criticizing **Rouhani’s** government for opposing missile tests and military exercises.
Tabnak, linked to former IRGC Commander **Mohsen Rezaei**, accused **Rouhani** on July 1 of “strategic betrayal”
for canceling a Chinese fighter jet deal. An Iranian source told Newsweek that the regime is focused on “national unity, rebuilding capacities, and reinforcing strategic doctrines.”
Potential Alliances
**Rouhani** may seek to collaborate with regime members who possess larger power bases. Despite being disqualified from the Assembly of Experts election in January 2024, **Rouhani** has leaned on his connections with the **Larijani** family. He, along with **Ali Larijani** and Expediency Council Chairman **Sadegh Amoli Larijani**, reportedly attempted to contact **Khamenei** during the Israel-Iran War to encourage renewed talks with the United States. He could also try to work with other moderate actors in the regime, including President **Masoud Pezeshkian**.
New Commander Appointed
Supreme Leader **Ali Khamenei** has reportedly appointed **Ali Abdollahi Ali Abadi** as the new Khatam ol Anbia Central Headquarters Commander. **Ali Abadi** previously served as the Armed Forces General Staff coordination deputy since 2016. Throughout his career, **Ali Abadi** has held leadership roles in the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps and several internal security positions. The United States sanctioned **Ali Abadi** in January 2020 for his involvement in the Iranian ballistic missile attack targeting US forces at Ain al Asad Airbase in Iraq in 2020.
Nuclear Negotiations Stalled
The G7 nations reaffirmed their stance that Iran “can never have nuclear weapons”
in a joint statement issued July 1. The G7 ministers urged Iran to refrain from reconstituting its “unjustified enrichment activities.”
These statements align with previous G7 and E3 statements. As of July 2024, Iran has over 120 kg of uranium enriched up to 60% purity, a level that is not allowed (IAEA Report 2024).
European Role in Question
**Abbas Araghchi**, Iran’s Foreign Affairs Minister, has cast doubt on the possibility of European involvement in future nuclear negotiations. Following a phone call with EU Foreign Policy Chief **Kaja Kallas**, **Araghchi** stated on X that the European Union and the United Kingdom’s participation in any future negotiations is “irrelevant and therefore meaningless.”
Constructive phone call with FM @kallaspik on EU-Iran relations, incl regional situation & JCPOA. 🇪🇺 stands ready to facilitate a way forward. I urged 🇮🇷 to immediately resume negotiations.#EstoniaUNSC
— Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) July 1, 2025
**Araghchi** said that **Kallas** “disregards the provisions of the”
Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Senior Iranian officials have repeatedly stated that Iran will not accept demands for zero uranium enrichment.
