Surprise meeting sparks talk of Rouhani-IRGC conciliation
Commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps met with President Hassan Rouhani, giving rise to speculation that the two sides are ready to bury the hatchet after a period of public feuding.
News of an unexpected meeting spread through Iranian media July 24. Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commanders visited the presidential palace that day for a face-to-face meeting with President Hassan Rouhani, who was re-elected May 19 to a second term. The tete-a-tete caught the attention of Iranian media, which welcomed it and portrayed it as an opportunity for detente following months of heated words between the powerful IRGC and Rouhani's moderate administration.
During the meeting, Gen. Mohammad Ali Jafari, IRGC commander, congratulated Rouhani on his re-election, saying, “The IRGC is ready for comprehensive cooperation with the administration in the realization of the goals of the revolution.” Rouhani expressed his appreciation for the “IRGC's efforts,” expressing hope that during his second term, coordination by all the armed forces will contribute to meeting the people's demands more quickly.
The president also stressed, “Unity among all forces and institutions is essential for the realization of the Supreme Leader's guidelines and serving the people.” Rouhani added that his administration will support the “IRGC's services” to the country and efforts.
Accompanying Jafari were the commanders of the Quds Force (Qasem Soleimani), IRGC Aerospace Force (Amir-Ali Hajizadeh), the paramilitary Basij (Gholam-Hossein Gheib-Parvar) and Tehran’s Sarallah Headquarters (Ismail Kowsari).
