Iran’s Presidential Hopefuls Discuss Foreign Policy in Fourth Debate

In a conclusion to the debate, Alireza Zakani delivered a critique of Iran's previous administrations, highlighting their failures and urging citizens to take action in the upcoming election.

Zakani began his remarks by referencing the symbolic "key" introduced by former President Hassan Rouhani, which was supposed to unlock numerous issues facing the country. He mocked the promise, stating, "Do you remember this key? It didn't unlock any doors. Instead, it created more locks, and no locksmith ever came."

Furthering his attack, Zakani pointed out that neither the nuclear issue nor the basic needs of the people had been adequately addressed. He warned voters, "The same people have returned with a new facade, aiming to form the third Rouhani administration," referring to ‘reformist’ Masoud Pezeshkian’s campaign.

In a bid to restore hope, Zakani assured the audience of his commitment to solving the country's problems. "I have both a plan and a record," he asserted confidently, urging people not to lose hope despite the failures.

Saeed Jalili, during the wrap-up of the debate on foreign policy, emphasized the need to not only lift sanctions but also ensure that those imposing them regret their actions.

"Foreign policy's job is to defend the rights and interests of the nation," Jalili asserted.

Jalili also touched on the potential of technology in economic development, saying, "With artificial intelligence, we can create markets for our youth." He pointed to innovation as a key driver for overcoming economic challenges and fostering employment opportunities for the younger generation.

Amir-Hossein Ghazizadeh Hashemi acknowledged that the sanctions are not “ineffective but not the end of the world” for Iran, emphasizing a pragmatic approach and warning against utopian idealism.

"Foreign policy is not a place for utopian idealism," Ghazizadehsaid, signaling a call for realism in diplomatic engagements.

He critiqued past decisions regardingIran's nuclear program, noting, "They shut down the entire nuclear program, but the sanctions were not lifted."

Praising the current administration, he said, "Ebrahim Raisi understood the language of the world well." He claimed that Raisi's strategies have been more effective in navigating the complexities of international relations.

"If you want the sanctions to be curbed, you need to continue Raisi's approach," Ghazizadeh Hashemi added."Foreign policy is a field of action.”

Masoud Pezeshkian addressed various critical issues and presented his vision for the country's future in his wrap-up.

Pezeshkian outlined his foreign policy goals, focusing on the importance of reconnecting with the global Iranian community. "One of the goals of my foreign policy is to bring back Iranians from all over the world to the country," he stated. He envisioned an Iran where citizens can live without anxiety and expressed his commitment to preventing emigration while encouraging expatriates to return.

"My foreign policy would pay attention to interaction, and a balanced foreign policy," Pezeshkian emphasized.

"I want foreign policy to make being Iranian a privilege for both those inside and outside the country," he added.

Critiquing current foreign policy approaches, Pezeshkian asserted, "I will not allow grandiose slogans in foreign policy to empty the people's pockets."

In the final segment of the debate, Ghalibaf took a stance against his opponent Masoud Pezeshkian, comparing Pezeshkian's campaign to that of former President Hassan Rouhani. Ghalibaf warned that electing Pezeshkian would mean a return to the governance style of ten years ago, which he believes would lead to increased societal strife and governance issues.

"People will definitely decide in a way not to go back," Ghalibaf asserted, stressing the need for progress rather than regression. He argued that a Pezeshkian presidency would result in renewed tension between the government and the Supreme Leader, which he views as detrimental to the country's stability.

Highlighting his tenure as mayor of Tehran, Ghalibaf stated, "We never made differences between Shiite and Sunni and male and female, and as a result, I could make the new Tehran." He credited his inclusive approach for the capital's development during his term.

Ghalibaf concluded his remarks by addressing the nation's economic concerns, promising to resolve current issues and stimulate economic growth if elected president. "I will resolve your current economic issues and make the economic growth realize," he pledged

Zakani emphasized the importance of Inclusion and transparency for the country's progress."There is no way out unless we involve people... All tribes, religions, and ethnicities must be involved, but some like to sideline certain groups," he stated.

Zakani highlighted the need to engage people in economic activities. "We must bring people to the economy table," he said.

"We should not create strife among people. We must develop infrastructures in the country, and we have all the capacities including mines, oil, sea, and everything. We need to develop the country and not damage the unity and integrity of the people," Zakani asserted.

Zakani also called for greater transparency, urging officials to be more open with the public. "Transparency helps people know the officials more. People, please know that there are many things going on behind the curtains here," he remarked.

Acknowledging the changing global landscape, Zakani praised the Raisi administration's achievements. "The world is changing. The Raisi administration realized the wishes of the previous government, especially in BRICS and Shanghai," he concluded.

Conservative Pourmohammadi responded to Zakani and hardliners, saying that UN sanctions were imposed during their government in the early 2010s, and now they blame Rouhani for negotiating.

He also questioned why former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's attempts to address corruption in oil contracts were thwarted. "For two times, Ahmadinejad wanted to resolve corruption in oil contracts, but why did you not let him do it?" he asked.

Heurged discussions and debates with those accused of corruption, emphasizing the need for transparency and financial responsibility. "Why do you escape having discussions and debates with those we accuse of corruption? We had to execute the contracts and not put more financial pressure on people," Pourmohammadi asserted.

Pourmohammadi highlighted the accusations against former Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh over the Crescent deal, stating, "Someone named former Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh is accused, and you say he has committed treason,” inflicting tens of billions of dollars of damage on the country. The nation should know what damage has been inflicted and understand its details, he said. “Why are you avoiding the debate?"

He also addressed criticisms regarding his stance on the JCPOA, saying, "You slam the JCPOA and say I am defending it. I have already expressed my stance on the JCPOA saying I had problems with the deal."

Hardliner Ghazizadeh harshly criticized the JCPOA, saying that the Rouhani administration took a bad agreement to the UN Security Council and "tied Iran's hands." Now, the Islamic Republic has to try to salvage whatever it can, he added.

Pezeshkian praised the "missile and drone" power of the Revolutionary Guard, stating that it has established significant deterrence.

"They have a preemptive effect."

In a series of statements aimed at countering remarks by other candidates, Pezeshkian emphasized the importance of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in addressing the country's economic issues.

"Without accepting JCPOA and resolving FATF, people are at loggerheads with us. We need to keep our stance unified to resolve these issues," he asserted.

Pezeshkian highlighted the nation's paradoxical situation regarding natural resources, stating, "We do not have natural gas in winter and during summer we cut off water while we have one of the largest oil and gas resources."

He further lamented the losses in joint gas and oil fields, noting, "In joint gas and oil fields, we are losing big shares."

Drawing a comparison between hardliners and international figures, Pezeshkian remarked, "Hardliners resemble Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, saying they are all opposed to the JCPOA."

He pointed out the adverse impact of such policies on the economy, adding, "Investors are exiting capitals from the country because they are losing their money."

Pezeshkian criticized the reliance on rhetoric, stating, "By chanting slogans, we cannot resolve economic issues. We must stop accusing each other of treason."

He also stressed the necessity of public support for success, concluding, "Without having people’s support, our achievements would not be realized."

Zakani refuted claims made by Pezeshkian, asserting, "I have never endorsed climbing embassy walls, and these remarks by Pezeshkian are a trick to win votes."

He highlighted his involvement in political activities, stating, "Regarding the political parties' activities, I have run one of the largest parties in the country.”

He emphasized his achievements in foreign policy during his tenure as mayor, noting, "In the past 33 months in office, I have practiced foreign policy, and its results are clear in my talks in Brussels and Beijing."

Zakani also criticized the oil sector's management during President Mohammad Khatami's term, claiming, "During Khatami's term, the greatest betrayals in the oil sector happened to the country." Referring to the Crescent case he said, "During Khatami's term, when Pezeshkian was also a minister, the greatest betrayals in the oil sector occurred."

Pourmohammadi directed criticism towards Jalili and other hardliners. Addressing Jalili directly, he questioned, "Why do you, who claim to know everything and accuse everyone of corruption, refuse to hold debates with them?"

Pourmohammadi accused Jalili of establishing a "shadow government" within each administration, actively undermining their policies while avoiding direct engagement through debates or court proceedings. He was referring to the hardliner Paydariparty, currently the strongest in parliament (Majles). Earlier in the day, the party endorsed Jalili.

Paydar is described as a pragmatic ultraconservative political group that eliminates its rivals through smear campaigns and focuses on its political interests and gaining influence rather than religious or ideological matters. Entekhab news website in Tehran says that Paydari “uses religious principles merely as a tool to gain political power. It is pragmatic in its approach and willing to use any means to achieve its goals."Paydari is pushing rival politicians out of main government positions, a process that former Majles Speaker Ali Larijani had called the project "purification.” Some Iranian politicians believe that purification is Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's idea to consolidate hardliners power in Iran.

"You form a shadow government in every administration and undermine their policies, but you never go to court or roundtable to have a debate with them," Pourmohammadi asserted, highlighting the perceived lack of accountability.

Additionally, Pourmohammadi criticized Jalili and his allies for their frequent accusations of incompetence directed at others. "Why do you accuse everyone of not being capable, but you yourself have not been able to have a successful negotiation?" he asked, pointing to what he sees as a failure to achieve tangible results in diplomatic efforts.

Ghazizadeh criticized recent remarks by former foreign minister Javad Zarif, who said during a campaign event for Pezeshkian that Iran’s oil exports increased under the Raisi administration because of the lax enforcement of sanctions under US President Joe Biden. Zarif said if Donald Trump is elected, the oil revenues will decrease again.

He also quipped that several officials of the Rouhani administration are working in Pezeshkian's campaign.

Ghazizadeh also referred to another issue raised repeatedly by Pezeshkian during the night. Pezeshkian said a few times that Iran’s relations with Saudi Arabia were severed after the attack on the kingdom’s embassy by a group of hardliner mobs. Saudi Arabia severed relations with the Islamic Republic in January 2016 after pro-government Iranian mobs attacked and ransacked its embassy in Tehran and consulate in Mashhad following the execution of a Saudi Shiite cleric.

Ghazizadeh said Iran’s main problem with the West started aftera group of armed Iranian college students belonging to the Muslim Student Followers of the Imam's Line attacked the US Embassy in Tehran in November 1979 and held 53 American diplomats and citizens hostage for 444 days. Ghazizadeh asked Pezeshkian to come clean about his role in the incident.

Pezeshkian emphasized the importance of utilizing expert ideas to tackle the ongoing sanctions issues.

Addressing Saeed Jalili, Pezeshkian said once he asked Jalili, "If we do not accept the JCPOA, what is your alternative? But Jalili had no response.”

He also highlighted the daily financial losses amounting to billions due to the lack of a specific plan.

"Political issues must be resolved by experts," Pezeshkian said. He criticized the qualifications of those attempting to address the sanctions, questioning, "Where have candidates studied that they want to resolve the sanctions issues?"

Pezeshkian pointed out the contradictory stance of opponents of the JCPOA, asking, "If the JCPOA is bad, why did Trump and Israel want to destroy it and at the same time, in Iran’s parliament, MPs set fire to the JCPOA. What is the difference between them?"

He also called out those responsible for past aggressive actions, asking, "Where are those who climbed the wall of embassies, and now people are paying the price for it?"

Stressing the need for a resolution, Pezeshkian added, "We need to resolve the JCPOA issue. It has positive and negative points. By attacking embassies, we cannot resolve our foreign policy issues."

"Has the FATF been resolved now? Then how did we manage to buy vaccines? Didn't they say both the centrifuge and the economic wheel should turn? They went there and reached a deal. What was the result? The other side left the deal!" Saeid Jalili said, criticizing the pro-reform and moderate faction's foreign policy.

Alireza Zakani once again criticized the Rouhani administration for its pro-Western tendencies, particularly regarding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). He accused Masoud Pezeshkian of not having read the deal text, highlighting that former Foreign Minister Javad Zarif’s reports to the parliament consistently emphasized that many aspects of the deal were "not possible."

"The JCPOA was not what the Supreme Leader wanted; the Supreme Leader wanted negotiations and later stated that the red lines were not observed in the JCPOA. Let's not distort the facts," Zakani said.

He also praised the current administration under late President Ebrahim Raisi, saying that regional diplomacy has improved and that the country has managed to release its frozen assets. "Our problem is that we go and beg the West," Zakani said.

Pourmohammadi talked about the controversial Crescent deal, one of the country’s cases that cost millions of dollars for Iran. Zakani called the case "a treason" to Iran.

For the gas supply project, National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) signed a 25-year gas supply agreement with Crescent Petroleum in 2001

The UAE infrastructure for the project, involving a gas sweetening plant and transmission facilities, were set up with initial investments of around $300 million. The infrastructure is largely owned by SajGas and UGTC, subsidiaries of Sharjah-based Dana Gas. NIOC also invested more than $1.5 billion in the project, developing on-site production at the Salman offshore field and critical transport facilities. The first gas supply from Iran was scheduled to begin in 2008 but no supplies were ever made.

The contract was agreed during the second term reformist president Mohammad Khatami. But the gas did not flow as agreed once the new administration of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, elected 2005, queried a price of $18 per 1,000 m3, or $98.5 million annually.

Crescent Petroleum filed a case against NIOC in 2009 with an international court of arbitration, and in 2010 the NIOC cancelled the contract. Iran then ignored a 2013 arbitration court ruling in The Hague in 2013 that found Iran liable. An international tribunal ruled in 2014 that the NIOC was in breach of its obligation to deliver gas since December 2005. Crescent Petroleum is currently pursuing its claims for damages through international arbitration.

Pezeshkian responded to Ghazizadeh's claim that the Rouhani administration was to blame for severing ties with Saudi Arabia and its allies, reminding him that the diplomatic ties were cut off after hardliners affiliated with conservative candidates stormed and torched the Saudi embassy.

"Who climbed the walls of the British embassy and closed it? The reformists? Who set fire to the Saudi embassy, prayed there, and then claimed in the newspapers that it was an accomplishment! Who did this? Now, some of these same people who stormed the embassies hold government positions. Why didn't we stop them?"

Ghalibaf proposed that one way to have the sanctions lifted is for Iran to stop implementing the Additional Protocol and inform the world that it would only return to its commitments if the oil sanctions are lifted.

"If they remove the sanctions against our ports, insurance companies, and the Central Bank, we can resume implementing some of our commitments," he said.

Pourmohammadi emphasized the necessity of party-based activities to legitimize political actions in the country. He highlighted the challenges posed by candidates who reject the party system, questioning how success can be achieved under such circumstances.

“Unfortunately, some people do not believe in the role of the public and do not make any effort to encourage optimism and participation among the people," Pourmohammadi stated. "Why is there no political party system in the country to legitimize political activities?"

He further noted that some individuals resist organized political behavior and the formation of political parties, which hinders the development of a structured political landscape.

“When I was the Minister of the Interior and wanted to organize NGOs, Saeed Jalili summoned my deputy and said that I was trying to incite a color revolution."

Ghazizadeh attacked Pezeshkian, saying that some of the remarks by him and other people from his camp are targeting the basic principles of the Islamic Republic.

He also addressed Pourmohammadi’s remarks about low turnout in elections. He said that people do not trust elections because the previous government (Hassan Rouhani’s administration) did not act on their election promises.

Alireza Zakani said, "In a book titled 'Ideological Foreign Policy Based on Dignity-Seeking Diplomacy,' I have outlined my ideas."

"The world is changing, and with outdated models and methods, we cannot accurately position ourselves for power in the region and the world,” he said, adding that “Our first priority is to promote the dignity of Iranians.”

Healso said that Iran should further empower its “axis of resistance.” He said the reinforcement of the Axis of Resistance, Iran's proxies in the region, will be a key focus of his foreign policy.

"We have significant capacity in the region, and Iran is the superior power. The events that occurred in Operation True Promise (Iran's attack on Israel) and Al-Aqsa Storm (Oct. Hamas attack) have changed regional dynamics."

Hardliner candidate Saeed Jalili said he prioritizes foreign currency earnings and employment, rejecting the influence of Western relations and nuclear deal.

Jalili said the Islamic Republic must have seen the conflict between Russia and the European Union as an opportunity to seize.

"Russia used to import $11 billion worth of vegetables from Europe; after the conflict, this opportunity arose for Iran to send them vegetables," he said.

"From Latin America to Africa, our neighbors, and countries in the Resistance Front that can create opportunities for us should not be overlooked," Jalili said.

He said Iran must "have the most economic relations with our neighbors; it should not be that others have more relations with them than we do."

Mostafa Pourmohammadi emphasized the intrinsic connection between domestic strength and international success, stating, "Foreign policy is an extension of domestic policy; if we are strong domestically, we can achieve and solidify our goals internationally."

Addressing the current political climate, he questioned the reluctance to engage in discussions about domestic policy: "Why don't we want to discuss domestic policy?" He reiterated the importance of internal stability as a foundation for achieving international objectives.

Pourmohammadi also highlighted the necessity of active civic participation, urging everyone to contribute to increasing electoral involvement. "Everyone must strive to increase participation," he asserted, underscoring the significance of elections in maintaining the integrity of national politics. "The issue of elections is the dignity of the country's politics," he concluded.

He argued that election law and process has to be clarified. In fact, elections are highly manipulated according to the preferences of the core of the ruling regime.

Without this "the ice" with the people will not melt and general disinterest will persist.

Amir-Hossein Ghazizadeh Hashemi spent most of his time defending the performance of late president Ebrahim Raisi in foreign policy, enumerating some of the countries that bolstered relations with Iran under Raisi such as Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Tajikistan.

He added that the Raisi administration revived Iran's ties with Saudi Arabia and Egypt and improved Tehran's relations with Baku, while the country's ties had been severed even with Bahrain and Djibouti during the Rouhani admin.

"Azeri president Ilham Aliyev used to threaten Iran and Tajikistan and Uzbekistan did not have amicable ties with us in final years of Rouhani's term in office," he said.
He said the Raisi admin removed the specter of war.

Masoud Pezeshkian stressed internal consensus for confronting internal and external challenges, implicitly referring to responsiveness to public opinion. He also defended the JCPOA nuclear deal briefly and called for resolving the issue of sanctions.

He said the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA) was signed by the very administration that his rivals "criticize and find fault with, yet now they are seeking to finalize and resolve it."

"The JCPOA belonged to the previous government, which the brothers criticize, but now they are trying to finalize and solve it. The JCPOA was an advantage of the past government, but with the obstacles that were created, it was not allowed to succeed. The dispute is about whose name it should carry!" he explained.

"In the region, we have the potential to be a transit hub from east to west and bring significant benefits. Why haven't we achieved this? Because we are in conflict both among ourselves and with our neighbors," Pezeshkian added.

He said the Islamic Republic must "address the sanctions and the FATF (Financial Action Task Force) issues if it wants to resolve economic problems and improve relations with the world."

Highlighting internal political discord, Pezeshkian pointed out that achieving consensus and satisfying the general public are crucial steps toward solving economic and international problems.

His remarks remained general, calling for resolution of issues with other countries, but did not offer details.

Parliament speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf described the international pressure on Iran as “opportunities,” referring to remarks by former commander of IRGC Quds force Qasem Soleimani, who was killed in a US targeted killing.

His intention is to pursue regime's plans and priorities. However, the Islamic Republic has many "open files" that need to be addressed and closed. This can refer to Iran's "nuclear file".

Ghalibaf raised the issue of the December 2021 nuclear bill, which increased uranium enrichment and reduced international inspections. He said that Iran needs to stick to Khamenei's guidelines. "The Supreme Leader stressed that this law will be our strategy," Ghalibaf said.

Ghalibaf said he will "definitely negotiate" with the West if elected, and he will "certainly clinch a deal within the framework of the Islamic Republic's macro policies."

"Any agreement that has economic benefits for Iran will be pursued step by step and action by action," he said.

He also dismissed his pro-reform rival Masoud Pezeshkian's advisor Javad Zarif's claim that the parliament obstructed the revival of the 2015 nuclear deal by passing the Strategic Action Plan to Lift Sanctions and Protect Iranian Nation's Interest, saying "the Strategic Action Plan is no obstacle to the removal of sanctions."

The first batch of questions were about Iran’s threats and opportunities. The candidates were asked to explain their plans to implement long-term agreements signed with China and Russia, while maintaining a balance with other countries of the world. They were also asked to elaborate on their plans to increase Iran’s international trade.

The candidates were also asked to explain how Iran plans to support its proxy militia or what the Islamic Republic calls ‘the resistance front.’

In their fourth debate, the candidates for Iran’s presidency will discuss issues related to foreign policy.

The candidates had been informed about the subjects so that they could be prepared for the debates in advance. Unlike the previous rounds, the candidates have five-minute segments to speak. The first chunk is to express their ideas about questions posed by a panel of officials and experts. The second four-minute is for dialogue among each other.

The Islamic Republic has had tumultuous relations with the West and its regional neighbors since its inception 45 years ago, largely driven by its Islamic-Shia ideology of upsetting the geopolitical status quo.

The clerical regime's relentless adversarial stance toward Israel, the United States, and their allies has significantly shaped the contemporary history of the Levant and West Asia.

Over the past 20 years, the revelation of Iran's pursuit of a nuclear program with uranium enrichment has further heightened tensions in its foreign relations. Additionally, it has invested enormous resources and energy in building a military and ideological network of militant proxies throughout the Middle East.