What it is about:

Iran’s parliament has re-elected hardliner Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf as its speaker, emphasizing its hard-right stance following a helicopter crash that claimed the lives of key government figures, including the president and foreign minister.

Why it matters:

The re-election of Qalibaf, a former IRGC general with a controversial past, signals a continued hardline approach in Iran’s internal and external policies. This development comes amid significant political instability and ahead of critical presidential elections.

The details:

In a decisive vote, 198 out of 287 lawmakers chose to retain Qalibaf, who has held the position since 2021. His political journey includes stints as Tehran’s mayor, head of the IRGC’s construction arm, Khatam al-Anbia, and its air force.

Qalibaf has a contentious legacy marked by his support for violent crackdowns on Iranian university students in 1999 and again in 2003. Despite these controversies, he has managed to maintain significant political influence, partly through his contributions to infrastructure development in Tehran.

More context:

Mojtaba Zonnouri, a hardline Shiite cleric, became Qalibaf’s main challenger, securing 60 votes. Manouchehr Mottaki, a former foreign minister, received five votes.

With hardliners occupying over 230 of the 290 seats in the parliament, as per an AP survey, the re-election reinforces the body’s conservative dominance following the low-turnout elections in March.

Looking ahead:

Qalibaf’s return as speaker comes at a tumultuous time for Iran, which is set to hold presidential elections on June 28. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei continues to hold ultimate authority, but the parliamentary decisions can influence the presidential administration, especially regarding crucial policies and budget approvals.

The upcoming registration period for presidential candidates will start on Thursday, marking the start of a highly pivotal election season for the nation.

This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.