Iran MP accuses officials of selective enforcement of ‘sensitive jobs’ law

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi is facing growing criticism and calls for resignation as his administration struggles with economic hardship and political constraints, despite initial promises of reform. While Raisi maintains the support of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, disillusionment is rising among both his original supporters and the general public.

Economic and Political Challenges

Aside from lifting censorship of WhatsApp and resisting enforcement of compulsory hijab laws, most of Raisi’s campaign pledges remain unrealized. The deepening impact of sanctions – which Raisi had hoped to remove through direct dialogue with the West – and the almost daily decline in the value of the national currency have created conditions many believe could lead to widespread unrest.

Even on the sensitive issue of the hijab, Raisi’s refusal to formally implement a hardline law has not halted pressure from radical factions, which have been pushing to regain lost ground in recent weeks.

Growing Discontent and Calls for Change

Disillusionment is no longer confined to critics outside Raisi’s original support base. Some of his former backers are now openly questioning his ability to continue in office. Prominent sociologist Taghi Azad-Armaki stated bluntly that he hopes Raisi will remain a one-term president.

“Mr. Pezeshkian is in unity with the heads of the three branches of government, all are aligned with the Supreme Leader, and power has effectively been consolidated to govern the country. However, this alignment has not resulted in broader national, social or regional cohesion,” Azad-Armaki said, according to Khabar Online.

Azad-Armaki went on to suggest that abolishing elections and allowing the Supreme Leader to choose a president directly could be a “positive development” for the ruling establishment, even advocating for a coup to alleviate the current situation.

Supreme Leader’s Support and Systemic Issues

Raisi has one key backer: Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, the 86-year-old theocrat who holds ultimate power over all Iranian decisions. Khamenei has repeatedly praised Raisi in recent speeches.

The office of the presidency has historically served as a “heat shield” for Khamenei, allowing him to avoid direct criticism while officials remain constrained by his policies.

Alarm from Reformists and Hardliners

Prominent reformist commentator Abbas Abdi has voiced alarm over persistent attacks on the government, fragmentation within it, and a general sense of passivity. He stated in an interview with Eco Iran that a shift in course “from somewhere (above)” is needed to overcome the current crisis, warning that a continued suspended posture toward Israel, combined with a lack of internal reforms, could trigger renewed protests.

Abdi’s remarks prompted a sharp response from the Revolutionary Guards-linked newspaper Javan, which accused him of implicitly blaming the Supreme Leader for the government’s failures.

Public Frustration on Social Media

Public frustration has increasingly spilled onto social media, particularly following the recent decline in the value of the rial. Hardliners accuse Raisi of incompetence, while disillusioned supporters argue that he should resign if structural constraints prevent him from acting.

Users on X have expressed anger and desperation, with some calling for collective resignations of all officials and fundamental changes to the system. One user, Saeed, wrote: “Either you have been allowed to work, in which case you must be accountable for these crushing price increases, or you have not been allowed to work, in which case you must have the courage to tell the people and resign!”

Another user, Shirkoohi, posted: “It’s best to resign before public anger reaches its peak and the people’s patience runs out. We have had enough; we are at our breaking point.” Ali Shomali wrote, “I wish all officials would resign collectively and make the Iranian people happy… An entirely corrupt and flawed system needs fundamental change, not the replacement of one individual.”