Hemmati: Diplomacy, field should jointly work to bolster Iran’s economy

Presidential candidate Nasser Hemmati says “the field and diplomacy” should work hand in hand to strengthen Iran’s economy and bring profits to the people.

Detailing his economic and foreign policy plans on the audio-based Clubhouse social network on Thursday (June 3), Nasser Hemmati said “our national interests lie in economic development and the president is duty-bound to pursue the people’s interests.”

Hemmati said “the field and power constitute our strategy in the region. We could not have made the country move forward without this power.”

“The field and diplomacy should function together,” said Hemmati. “The outcome of joint efforts by the field and diplomacy should be economic development and profit the people.”

The notions of diplomacy and the field became the topic of a debate in the country in late February, when Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif was heard criticizing in a leaked audiotape some actions of martyred Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani and complaining about the primacy of what he called the “field” over “diplomacy” under the Iranian government.

Zarif later explained that the key point he made during the leaked dialog was that Tehran should establish a clever relationship between the two wings of Iran’s foreign policy and determine its priorities under the instruction of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution.

Zarif reaffirms admiration for Gen. Soleimani, hails general for major anti-terror role

Foreign Minister Zarif hails General Soleimani’s key role in the defeat of Daesh in the region, reaffirming his admiration for the ‘long-time friend,’ who was assassinated by the US last year.

‘I was against abrupt jump in fuel prices in 2019’

Elsewhere, the ex-chief of the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) criticized President Hassan Rouhani’s decision to impose fuel rationing and abruptly increase gas prices.

“I was opposed to the rise in gas prices and relayed my opposition to the president. It was the worst economic action taken at the worst juncture,” when the country was moving toward economic stability.

The sudden hike in gas prices sparked protests in several Iranian cities, which were largely peaceful initially, but turned violent when riotous elements took advantage of the circumstances to destroy public property and set banks and gas stations ablaze.

Iranian officials said the deadly riots were fueled by certain foreign governments.

‘Any support from the Reformist camp will be welcome’

Hemmati said he considered himself to be a Reformist and had a plan for “major economic reforms,” adding, “I’d be honored if the Reformist forces seek to offer me a helping hand.”

Hemmati along with Mohsen Mehr-Alizadeh, another Reformist candidate, does not have the support of Reformist leaders and Iran’s Reform Front — the camp’s main bloc — behind their presidential bids.

Unhappy with the disqualification of a number of Reformist candidates, Iran’s Reform Front said in a statement on May 26 that it had no candidate in the 2021 presidential election, signaling that Mehr-Alizadeh and Hemmati did not represent the camp.

Hemmati also praised Zarif as “a patriot” and said he would invite the top diplomat to join his cabinet if he is elected president.

Even if Zarif refuses to join in, “I will benefit from his advice,” Hemmati said.

The Reformists wanted Zarif to represent the camp as its top candidate in the June 18 presidential election, but he refused to take part.

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