Ex-Iranian President Says 'Don't Expect Miracles' From Pezeshkian

A former Iranian president has urged the nation to temper expectations, cautioning against expecting "miracles" amid rising criticism of Masoud Pezeshkian's proposed cabinet.

Former president Mohammad Khatami said, "In some cases, things could have been handled better. We do not expect miracles from him under any circumstances." 

"Naturally, we are interested in and demand that they stick to the promises they made," he added. 

Speaking at a gathering of his advisors, Khatami emphasized the importance of supporting the President and cautioned against premature criticism.

Khatami also discussed the controversial "Noor" plan, which aims to enforce stricter hijab regulations, and Pezeshkian's commitments to prevent its continued implementation. 

He said, "When he calls the Noor plan a black plan, he will naturally stand against it. He will oppose actions that harm the academic and cultural communities and will strive to implement what is right and just. 

"He will not tolerate the humiliation, insult, and persecution of artists, much of which stems from official cultural institutions, not security bodies.

"In practice, he will adhere to these principles, and these are the demands that should be made of him," he said.

The reformist leader urged his supporters to avoid "emotional, unfair, and hasty reactions based on incomplete information, outdated perceptions, and a lack of foresight."

Pezeshkian's proposed cabinet has drawn attention due to its lack of diversity. It has. It has only one woman, no Sunni ministers, and no representation from ethnic minorities. 

Additionally, there is a strong presence of individuals with security and military backgrounds in the cabinet, leading to concerns.

Azar Mansouri, head of the Reform Front, condemned the proposed cabinet, saying, "One should not expect miracles from this government, especially considering that more than 80 percent of the country's power is in the hands of other entities."

The nominated cabinet's average age of 59.7 contradicts Pezeshkian's earlier promise that 60 percent of ministers would be under 50. 

Abdi framed these criticisms not as threats but as "opportunities for growth and reflection."

The activist particularly highlighted the Ministry of Education as a critical area of concern, calling it a "red line." 

Pezeshkian has responded to mounting criticism over his proposed cabinet and called for patience and fair judgment based on its performance.

In a recent post on X, Pezeshkian addressed the public, saying, "Dear people, you are the government's greatest asset. Your attention and sensitivity in selecting cabinet members is valuable. Indifference to politicians' behavior has given way to criticism. This means we have taken a step forward."

The president emphasized the consultative process behind the cabinet selections, noting, "In the selection and review stage of the cabinet, we consulted numerous experts and tried to create the best possible situation with existing capacities, using an approach of consensus and empathy."