While Raisi News Today

Raisi-Aliyev meeting marked expanding era of bilateral pragmatism.

THIS PAGE WILL BE UPDATED WITH THE LATEST NEWS UPDATE: 11:00 AM CET Ukraine Frontlines Reports Destruction of Iranian Regime Drones Near Kyiv Ukraine

The removal by Iran's clerical rulers of Ali Shamkhani from his post as head of the Supreme National Security Council is seen by analysts in Tehran as another move by hardliners to consolidate their reign.  Shamkhani is a moderate, pragmatic figure who held this position for a decade and was involved in the March 10th Chinese-brokered deal to end the estrangement between Iran

While the official response has been muted, US media commentaries point to deep concerns in Washington that Beijing has stolen a march on the US and is playing a more prominent role in the strategic energy-rich Middle East.

Iran Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said that there is “no way” to return to the JCPOA unless all economic sanctions are lifted. 

A presidential election will take place in Iran on June 18, and it is rumored that Ali Khamenei prefers one candidate above the others: Chief Justice Ebrahim Raisi. While Raisi has never belonged to the IRGC, his election would nevertheless represent a victory for the hardliners. Despite his lack of religious credentials, Raisi is also considered a serious contender to succeed Khamenei as Supreme Leader.