Iran Denounces Allegations of Power Grab Following Protest Killings

Iranian Authorities Deny Reports of Former President’s Power Grab Attempt

Tehran, Iran – Iranian authorities have dismissed reports that former President Hassan Rouhani attempted to seize power during last month’s nationwide protests. According to an embassy statement released by state media in Paris, the claims are “likely based on false information and speculative accounts.” The report alleged that Rouhani gathered influential clerics, IRGC commanders, and other figures, including former Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, to take control of the government.

Rouhani’s office had previously denied the reports, stating that they were part of an “organized campaign” by American and Israeli sources aimed at damaging Iran’s image. The former president also released photos from a funeral event to show he was not under arrest, which was initially reported by two hardline politicians but later denied by Rouhani and Zarif.

The Iranian embassy in France rejected any connection between the arrests of top reformist leaders earlier this month and the alleged power grab scheme. According to the embassy, the arrests were related to public statements made during the unrest in January. Some reformists have since been released after posting bail, while others remain incarcerated due to previous political prison sentences.

Former President Khatami also appeared alongside Rouhani at a recent event, and both leaders called for major reforms. The Iranian Reformists Front stated that it would cease to exist if the theocratic establishment does not take steps to change course. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei described the events during the unrest as a “coup” aimed at serving US and Israeli interests.

Student protests have restarted in Tehran and other major cities, following the reopening of universities after last month’s nationwide protests.

Source: Al Jazeera