IRGC bypass sanctions through Rouhani's smile diplomacy'

 

By Hamid Bahrami

 This week marks the beginning of Hassan Rouhani’s second presidential term, which is vital for the existence of the ruling theocracy in Iran.In his inauguration speech, Rouhani described his plans to have high level relationships with world. However after the speech, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei called for standing against America.At first glance, there seems to be a significant conflict of priority,

but in reality this is just a political deception directed by these two clerics.

On the face of it, president Rouhani claims that he is pursuing a detente policy with US and Arab countries. However, in reality, his government allocates billions of dollars, which was gained from the nuclear deal, towards the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its ballistic missile program development.

Rohani’s actions reminds one of the English proverb, “Do as I say, not as I Do”.

The experience over the span of almost four decades has shown clearly that there are no moderates within the clerical regime. The policies of the so-called reformists have consistently been based on abusing the international trust.

Politically, considering the growing debate about a US policy of regime change, it is safe to say that all regime factions are alarmed over the new, effective American sanctions on Tehran. Thus, Rouhani, as president, immediately met senior IRGC commanders to discuss the crisis and hammer out solutions.

The IRGC dominates Iran’s economy and plays a key role in Tehran’s destabilizing activities, support for terrorism and domestic crackdown. That is why any action aimed weakening it will leave the regime in a perilous condition and facing an existential threat.