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Home , Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli, Ali Akbar Salehi, Ali Jannati, Ali Tayebnia, Bijan Namdar Zangeneh, Hamid Chitchian

ODUMUNC 2021 Crisis Brief

Cabinet of the Islamic Republic of , 2020

by Sophia Marie Porter ODU Society

Introduction

The has always been in the way of Iranian relations and development. The state is fully aware of the power Iran possesses as it grows into an influential state in its region and overseas; threatening America’s security interests and challenging its dwindling economy. It is noticeable worldwide that the Middle East struggles with security from time to time relating to economic, political, and humanitarian issues, but the causes do not come from Middle Eastern countries.

For Iranian leaders, the current issues within the region are the faults of the West who play games of hegemonic destruction and invasion in the Middle East with no regard for the innocent lives who must endure the hardship and pain of conflict, not to mention the blatant disregard and To convey Iranian frustration and power, the violation of state sovereignty. Tensions between Iran armed forces and the Iranian Revolutionary Iran and the United States are high. Neither side Guard Corps (IRGC) are authorized to use shows any willingness to surrender to the others, weapons and military assistance with third or rely on diplomacy. parties to oppose American forces. Rockets have

been fired countless times near American bases Meanwhile, other states in the region are circling and airports, mostly fired by Iraqi Shi’ite against Iran, including Saudi Arabia, which militias, but sometimes from Iran itself. could develop nuclear weapons, and , Although the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of which continues to oppose the just rights of the Action (JCPoA, or the Iran Deal), ended Iran’s Palestinian people—who’s cause is Iran’s ability to acquire nuclear weapons in the short cause—and most recently won diplomatic term, the United States walked out of the recognition from the traitorous regime of the agreement on 8 July 2018.2 Iran has continued to (UAE).1 adhere to much of the agreement anyway. It still

does not have nuclear weapons, but it has

gradually accelerated its program to create fissile, low-enriched Uranium that can be used

1 Jeremy Bowen, ‘Five reasons why Israel's peace 2 Kelsey Davenport, ‘The Joint Comprehensive Plan deals with the UAE and Bahrain matter’, BBC News, of Action (JCPOA) at a Glance’, Arms Control 14 September 2020, Association, October, 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east- https://www.armscontrol.org/factsheets/JCPOA-at-a- 54151712 glance

Cabinet of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 2020

to make nuclear weapons quickly. And Iranian leaders feel increasing pressure to act in response to American pressure.

Time is limited for Iran to respond to the situation. This council must act quickly and decisively to make the needed changes in order to rise. Relations with , and are beneficial to Iranian success, but other regional actors, including allies of Washington, like Saudi Arabia, Israel, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates stand in the way unless this Council can convince their governments or their peoples otherwise.3 Iran’s martyred hero, IRGC General in 2018 This session starts on 3 February 2020, a month after the death of the beloved martyr of the , IRGC General Qasem Soleimani, assassinated by the United States.4 The Buildup to the Iranian

Revolution History In the early twentieth century, Iranians from The Islamic Republic of Iran has a beautiful and almost all social classes united to demand the enriched history dating all the way to 8000 BC. end of the royal corruption from the Persian Agriculture and domestication of animals Empire during the Qajar dynasty as well as the flourished in Iran due to the geographical invasion from foreign nations who sought location while supporting the development of economic relations to keep the empire intact. society and interaction with other neighboring This six-year revolution became known as the spurs. Shifts of relations and trade brought Constitutional Revolution (1905-1911)6 which wisdom to Iran and bestowed the Islamic succeeded in exposing the acquisitiveness of the religion to grace its followers. With strict and fellow aristocrats who used their status practice, the evolution of Islam and government to deepen their pockets and deprived the public soon took hold of one another while battling and environment of resources. Iranians human behavior that goes against Islamic exclaimed how the shah has become a hypocrite beliefs. Empires expanded to and from Iran, but to his people and that the monarchy will be globalization soon came into play and indirectly replaced by another form of government. 5 changed course for the state.

3 Indra Ekmanis, “Escalating Conflict with Iran: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/03/world/middlee What's Happening?,” PRI, January 6, 2020, ast/suleimani-dead.html https://www.pri.org/stories/2020-01-06/escalating- 5 “Iran 8000-2000 B.C.,” metmuseum.org, accessed conflict-iran-whats-happening. September 3, 2020, 4 Karen Zraick, ‘What to Know About the Death of https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/ht/02/wai.html. Iranian General Suleimani’, New York Times, 9 July 6 Electricpulp.com, “Encyclopædia Iranica,” 2011, 2020, https://iranicaonline.org/articles/constitutional- revolution-i.

Cabinet of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 2020

After further political controversies and uprisings, as the Iran leaders tried to reassert control of the country, in 1941 the returned from exile , son of the previous shah, who was installed as shah in 1941. The modernizing (Westernizing) shah was greatly resented as he tried to force his will on the conservative society he inherited.

In 1951-53 a democratic revolution swept Iran, which elected its first democratic parliament, and chose as its first democratic Prime Minister . When Mosaddegh tried to nationalize control of Iran’s oil industry—then controlled by the British—the US Central Intelligence Agency and the UK Secret Intelligence Service organized a coup to remove Mosaddegh.

The coup led to a revolutionary that forever changed Iranian society. The restored Shah

Pahlavi disbanded the Iranian Parliament, Time Magazine’s Man of the Year in 1953. Iran’s first, forcing tens of thousands of Iranian intellectuals, brief experiment with democracy: Prime Minister nationalists and religious leaders to flee the Mohammad Mosaddegh, overthrown in a coup organized country as refugees. His rule was unpopular, but by the United Kingdom and United States in 1953. stabilized by the internal security services, which used force, imprisonment and torture to After the Constitutional Revolution, waves of suppress dissent. political reformation and styles of government were attempted to be made permanent by To replace the Parliament, Pahlavi organized the different political parties, but these changes were White Revolution. The purpose for those in the difficult to uphold due to the consistent White Revolution was to accelerate the intervention from other nations. The United development of urbanization and westernization Kingdom, United States, and Russia all for the state of Iran while pretending to care interfered with Iran’s political challenges to about democracy and human rights to please the pursue their dominance and influence over the West. The White Revolution was triumphant in oil rich state for economic power. The constant enhancing the urbanization of the state and interference from the West and Orthodox East ignoring the violation of human rights as the soon led to the United Kingdom supporting Iran public suffered from quick cultural changes that to return to the monarchy and assisted the shah only those living in major cities would see. The to the throne in 1921. 7

7 Electricpulp.com, “Encyclopædia Iranica,” 2011, https://iranicaonline.org/articles/constitutional- revolution-i.

Cabinet of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 2020

combination of economic success and poor shah will be overthrown. Forced into exile, first social conditions in the state led to inflation and in Turkey, then Paris, Khomeini preached of anger amongst Iranians. With about a decade of Pahlavi’s failure and urged his overthrow. unstable living conditions the opposition to the Cassette audio recordings of his speech were monarchy expanded. secretly sent into Iran and shared with commoners to ignite the fire within them and come to the realization that Pahlavi is ruining their livelihoods. Supported by the United States and Israel, Pahlavi believed he could handle an outbreak from citizens revolting in mass quantities thinking that the two states would step in and back up his forces.

Friend of America and the British, enemy of Iranian religious leaders: Mohammad Reza Pahlavi (1919-80), last Shah (King) of Iran, 16 September 1941 to 11 February 1979.

By the 1970s, Pahlavi made political participation from any party or group nearly impossible as he censored any opinion that did not praise him or the work he had done. He authorized cruel punishment to those who Overthrowing the Shah and completing the Islamic exhibited any type of opposition to his Revolution; the returns from government, thus infuriating the majority even exile in 1979. more.

Among those who were severely affected were Iranian Revolution Islamic religious leaders, all belonging to the majority-Iranian Shi’ite sect. They were led by With decades of corruption and economic Ayatollah (Shi’ite religious leaders) Ruhollah inequality, Iranians were becoming restless with Khomeini, a professor from the Iranian religious the state of their environment. Although there center of , grew in popularity because of his have been many call outs and protests against argument that with the help of the Ulema, the the shah before, opposition to the shah was

Cabinet of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 2020

dangerous, led entirely from exile. But vacation and immediately left Iran and opposition by religious leaders gained appointed Prime Minister Shahpur Bakhtiar and legitimacy and acceptance through the 1970s. In the Regency Council to take charge in times of January of 1978 thousands of Iranian madrasah his cowardly absence. Bakhtiar and the council (religious school) students publically protested failed in gaining the cooperation of the public; against the shah and in support of the Ayatollah the popularity for Khomeini was unmatched and Khomeini.8 Soon opposition became a massive the people viewed him to be the one who would populist revolt. Religious students were joined save them from the shah. On 1 February, by pious congregants, rural, working class and Khomeini returned to Iran, welcomed with unemployed Iranians. Only the middle classes public rejoicing. Ten days later the shah’s and professionals supported the shah, and their security services declared themselves neutral, numbers were limited. Worrying for his safety, leading Bakhtiar and other shah-backed political Pahlavi suspected these protesters to be part of officials to be exiled. an international force attempting to remove him from power, thus he allowed his forces to Khomeini declared Iran to be the Islamic murder the innocent protestors. Revolutionary State of Iran two months after his return. Exhilarated with the removal of the shah Being a Shi’ite country, the death of the Iranian and replacement by Ayatollah Khomeini protestors were properly followed by the public himself, anti-American and anti-West sentiment to remember those who have passed since began to spring up to further demonstrate the martyrdom is a foundational part of religious fury Iranians have had due to their unneeded practice. Unfortunately, those who abided by the involvement. The new parliament, the Majles-e religious practice for the forty-day period were Khobregān, or , wrote a also murdered by Pahlavi’s forces thus restarting new constitution that was heavily influenced by the cycle of duly obeying Shi’ite law. This cycle Khomeini’s vision and led to Iran becoming a of violence escalated with each death of Iranian religious government. The new government brothers and sisters. After a few months of these practices conservative ideals, nationalist protests, the shah’s regime authorized martial fundamentals, and economic power through the law on 8 September 1979. This led the military world’s most crucial resource, oil, and soon to to open fire upon protests in killing be nuclear energy. Ayatollah Khomeini died in hundreds. In the following months, government June 1989 and was succeeded by Ayatollah Ali officials and workers began boycotting and Khameini, who remains to this day as supreme striking against the regime; most notably the leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran.9 workers in the oil industry. With no fear of death, pious Iranians marched courageously Iran’s Nuclear Energy together gaining attention worldwide. Iran began its nuclear program under the While in exile, the brilliant Ayatollah Khomeini disgraced shah. It’s first nuclear reactor was orchestrated his plan to rid the shah of power purchased with the support of the United States; permanently. The following year, the shah and the Tehran Research Reactor (TRR) in 1967. his family announced that they would take a The TRR is a small research reactor, operating

8 Janet Afary, “Iranian Revolution,” March 25, 2020, 9 Janet Afary, “Iranian Revolution,” March 25, 2020, https://www.britannica.com/event/Iranian- https://www.britannica.com/event/Iranian- Revolution. Revolution.

Cabinet of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 2020

with highly-enriched (bomb fuel level) uranium from smaller states, such as Argentina, up to 93 percent purity. In the early 1970s, the throughout the 1980s and 1990s, and from Iranian ratified the Nuclear Nonproliferation Russia and China in the early 2000s. To add to Treaty (NPT), the international agreement under the difficulty of picking up nuclear plans and which Iran agreed not to acquire nuclear with the other nations, the weapons, and calling for Iran to pursue only United States Congress passed laws and “peaceful nuclear programs for power sanctions that prohibited Middle Eastern generation”.10 neighbors and energy companies from trading with Iran if the goods were to go to Iranian energy development. The international harassment continued until Iranian officials reaffirmed their willingness to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), as required by the NPT. Agreement with the IAEA in late-2003 made nuclear activity in Iran conditional on allowing IAEA inspectors full access to inspect current and future nuclear sites.

Frustrated by the abuse of power from the Western world, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Iranian civilian power generation reactors at Bushehr Government continued to expand its nuclear production capabilities, although it did not build From there, the shah created the Atomic Energy actual nuclear weapons. Soon, Iran and Russia Association of Iran (AEOI), to fulfill his plans of concurred in an energy supply agreement that constructing multiple nuclear plants and a allowed Iran to develop hexafluoride, a feed nuclear fuel cycle. His plans were paused by the stock for enriching the purity of Uranium. This Iranian Revolution. Nuclear plans halted, step, and reports of extensive nuclear and including the end of construction of German- missile cooperation with and North design civilian power generation reactors at Korea, led the UN Security Council to focus on Bushehr. After German withdrew from the Iranian capabilities and programs.11 project, those reactors were completed with help from Russia. Fueling the TRR and Bushehr A few months later, the UN Security Council reactors is a justification for Iran’s subsequent unanimously passed Resolution 1737 which development of nuclear enrichment capability. “imposes sanctions on Iran for failing to stop its uranium enrichment programme… imposes a With no support from the international ban the supply of nuclear-related technology and community and changes in Iranian leadership, materials and imposes assets freeze on key nuclear engineering and development were individuals and companies related to the difficult to continue. Iran did receive some help

10 “Iran and the NPT,” The Iran Primer, January 22, 11 “Fact Sheets & Briefs,” Timeline of Nuclear 2020, Diplomacy With Iran | Arms Control Association, https://iranprimer.usip.org/blog/2020/jan/22/iran-and- July 2020, npt. https://www.armscontrol.org/factsheets/Timeline-of- Nuclear-Diplomacy-With-Iran.

Cabinet of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 2020

enrichment programme”.12 This was the first of Iran accepted this plan. The JCPoA is not a many resolutions to pass that targeted Iran and treaty—it was not formally signed or ratified. their continuation of nuclear activity. Rather, the parties agree to coordinate their domestic policies, with the understanding that In the following years, Israel and the United any violation will result in unliteral reactions by states would share classified information about other parties. Iranian nuclear development and successes with the public to once more push a false image of Iran’s nuclear power. Sanctions continued to decrease economic growth for Iran specifically in its nuclear energy department. However, the intelligence and hard work of the Iranian scientists in the nuclear energy field did not stop the country from accumulating weaponry and use for nuclear energy. These triumphant moments startled the five permanent members (the P5: China, France, Russia, the UK and US) of the UN Security Council, leading to more attempts to limit Iranian nuclear development. Iranian ballistic missiles on public display in Tehran, ready to defend the Islamic Revolution.

Current Situation Loosely following the agreement, Iranian Beginning in 2013 and continuing through 2015, officials encouraged nuclear scientists and Iranian officials met with foreign powers to engineers to continue developing nuclear energy negotiate a new arrangement, whereby Iran while creating precautions so that other states would agree to restrict its nuclear program in and international organizations are unaware of exchange for relief from foreign trade sanctions. their actions. Suspicions were growing from These negotiations were between Tehran and the outside sources of these developments, but so-called P5+1 (China, France, Russia, the UK disloyalty to the state was taken seriously and and US, plus Germany, with the European swiftly. The state cannot fall behind in nuclear Union also heavily engaged). development in any form, but the prejudice from the West and their allies are interfering with In July of 2015, Iranian leaders met with the Iran’s right to sovereignty and jurisdiction. P5+1 negotiators in Vienna where they agreed to Unknown to the West, certain ministries are on accept the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action the verge of breakthrough with nuclear energy (the JCPoA, or the Iran Deal). This agreement development that could make Iran a leading ensures “Iran’s compliance with the nuclear- force. Key ministers hold the intelligence over related provisions will be verified by the the development while others run the funding International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and support. according to certain requirements set forth in the agreement”.13 Reluctantly, the Islamic State of

12 “S/RES/1737 (2006) Security Council,” United 13 Kelsey Davenport, “Fact Sheets & Briefs,” Arms Nations (United Nations), accessed September 3, Control Association, May 2018, 2020, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/s/res/1737- https://www.armscontrol.org/factsheets/JCPOA-at-a- (2006). glance

Cabinet of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 2020

Issues Facing the Council Each member of this council has been selected because of their loyalty to the state as well as intelligence and role in their respective fields This international agreement and many other and ministries. The fate of Iran depends their factors dare to limit Iran’s true potential. The wits and successes. They will cooperate with consistent spying, physical torture, and one another to devise plans that protect Iran’s economic sanctions have made life harder than it national interests and more importantly the has to be for all Iranians. The JCPoA and interests of the previous Supreme Leader infiltration of the IAEA must be dealt with in a Ayatollah whom they all diligently serve. way that this council decides to benefit the state. Other focuses for the members of the council is the withdrawal of the United States from JCPoA and their close relationship with Israel. And finally, this council has the choice to share or withhold information about the state’s nuclear development and achievements.14

In light of recent events, General Qasem Soleimani was murdered by American forces and tensions between the states are higher than ever. Does this council have the faith in Allah Supreme Leader Ayatollah (not to be and one another to take on the United States or confused with his predecessor, Ayatollah Ruhollah are there more secrets to be dealt with before Khomeini). enacting a counterattack? Time will only tell. Fate now rests in the hands of Ayatollah and this Ayatollah Ali Khameini - the current Supreme council. God is greatest, Allahu Akbar! Leader of the Islamic republic of Iran. Supervises cabinet and guides the Republic to greatness. Members of the Iranian Cabinet

President - (Crisis Chair). Rouhani is an Iranian politician and cleric who was elected in 2013. His Meeting of the Iranian religious title is Hojatoleslam, a middle rank in the Shi’ite religious hierarchy. He was arrested

14 Paul K Kerr and Kenneth Katzman, “Iran Nuclear Service , July 20, 2018), Agreement and U.S Exit” (Congressional Research https://fas.org/sgp/crs/nuke/R43333.pdf

Cabinet of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 2020

many times in the 1960s and 1970s as a follower Technology, Salehi is a leading figure for the of Ayatollah Khomeini. Iranian media refers to Atomic Energy Organization. Fluent in English, Rouhani as the "diplomat sheik." President , and Farsi Salehi has been able to Rouhani is keen to see the nuclear deal survive - represent Iran on the international stage, but even though US President and some loyal followers of Ayatollah fear that his opponents of the deal in the United States time in America makes his diplomatic decisions Congress are looking for ways to put further and AEO choices biased and unfair to the state. pressure on Iran, or even scrap the deal. Widely Salehi is viewed to be too “Americanized”.15 considered a moderate, Rouhani also promised to revive the sluggish economy, to extend individual and political freedoms, to steer the country away from the extremist ideas of the hardliners, to ensure equality for men and women, to extend access to internet and generally work for moderations and an outward- looking Iran. He was re-elected in May 2017.

Hossein Dehghan, Minister of Defense and Logistics- General Dehghan is a loyalist to the Islamic Republic of Iran. Dehghan was a commander in the Revolutionary Guard in 1979 and was one of the highest ranking military officials under Ayatollah’s command. President Rouhani appointed Dehghan to General status in 2013 because of his work ethic and pride in his nation. Along with his natural military wits, General Dehghan has a PhD in Management from the . Western critics and some Iranians do not agree with the ethical decisions General Dehghan makes, but the results are nonetheless acquired.16 , Vice President and Head of the Atomic Energy Organization- A leader unlike any other, Salehi has had the experience of being a diplomat and scientist of Iran for over 35 years. Earning his undergraduate at American University of Beirut in physics and a PhD in nuclear engineering at Massachusetts Institute of

15 “Dr. Ali Akbar Salehi,” 2020, https://www.ncr-iran.org/en/ncri-statements/who-is- https://aeoi.org.ir/EN/portal/home/ hossein-dehghan-hassan-rouhani-s-choice-for- 16 “Who Is , Hassan Rouhani's defense-minister/ Choice for Defense Minister,” NCRI (NCRI Foreign Affairs Committee , August 13, 2013),

Cabinet of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 2020

Mohammad Javad Zarif, Minister of Foreign Affairs- Serving as the Minister of Foreign , Minister of Islamic Guidance and Affairs, Minister Zarif holds the same Culture- Adored and praised across the state, importance and status as Secretary of State in Ali Jannati is the man many wish to be. As the the United States. Leaving Iran for higher son of Ayatollah Ahmed Jannati, the leader of education in the United States at the age of 17, prayer in Tehran who had personal relations Minister Zarif holds a PhD in with Ayatollah Kohmeini, Ali Jannati has high and Policy from the University of Denver. social status and respect amongst Iranians at all Starting his career as a member of the Iran levels. Serving his country, Jannati was the Mission to the UN, Minister Zarif has Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces successfully closed off certain disputes between during the Revolution in the Greater Khorason Iran and the United States leading him to his region. After some time in the military Jannati current position. His international relations and then moved on to join the Islamic Republic of ability to negotiate have resonated with Iran Broadcasting network. Soon, Jannati President Rouhani deeming him a vital intel for became the Iranian Ambassador to Kuwait and this council. Yet, due to his past and stay in gained connections across industries, mainly oil, America, Minister Zarif is viewed by critics to that built up his wealth. Currently, Jannati serves not be strong enough to stand up to American the highest position in the government regarding diplomats and officials and pursue Iran’s everything relating to Islam. To uphold the national interests to the fullest extent. Simply, uniqueness and practice of Iran can only be done critics find him to be too “middleground” and by the and Minister Jannati. Only “Americanized”.18 they have the true power to question, and more so ruin, the reputation of any man suspected of being unloyal to the state.17

17 “Biography of Jannati, Proposed as Minister of 18 PeoplePill, “About : Culture and the Islamic Guidance,” May 8, 2013, Iranian Politician (1960-): Biography, Facts, Career, https://web.archive.org/web/20160304001640/http:// Wiki, Life,” PeoplePill, accessed September 17, www3.sari.irna.ir/en/News/80763648/Politic/Biograp 2020, https://peoplepill.com/people/mohammad- hy_of_Jannati,_proposed_as_Minister_of_Culture_an javad-zarif/ d_the_Islamic_Guidance

Cabinet of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 2020

As Minister of Intelligence, Minister Alavi is in charge of the Ministry of Intelligence of the Islamic Republic of Iran, also known as VAJA. With his experience in the Iranian Parliament and Military, Minister Alavi determines who are the allies and enemies of the state based upon evidence and statements that some may find an invasion of privacy. However, the VAJA has been granted authority to carry out tasks to determine the traitors and enemies of the state by the government, and although this is found to , Minister of be unethical from the outside world it is Industries and Business- Minister Nematzadeh necessary; putting Minister Alavi responsible for has contributed to Iran’s political and economic all actions taken by VAJA. development on more than one occasion. He has held this title three times dating back to 1980 assisting in trade and international business for the state. As a successful negotiator of goods for international partners, Minister Nematzadeh also contributes and influences the political world of Iran. Having close ties with President Rouhani during his Presidential campaign he was able to expand his relations thus allowing more influence and intel on current situations and troubles Iran faces both domestically and abroad. Since President Rouhani looks so kindly at Minster Nematzadeh, his skills of negotiation , Minister of Energy- and business are needed to protect Iran’s Formerly the head of intelligence, Minister economy from potential sanctions and tariffs. Chitchian was appointed to Minister of Energy in 2013. Popular amongst the youth for his liberal ideologies, Minister Chitchian is in the public eye for his supporters, critics, and international intellects as one of the key individuals behind Iran’s near breakthrough with nuclear energy. His role is crucial to survey the power grids throughout Iran while developing energy solutions that can continue Iran’s urbanization. However, will his ideologies become his downfall within this council as the other members strictly follow the Ayatollah, or will the popularity amongst the younger , Minister of Intelligence- Minister Alavi has two PhD’s in Law and Islamic Studies and holds the religious position of Hojjatoleslam, an official authority of Islam.

Cabinet of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 2020

generations lead him to a new path and career as a national leader? 19

Mohammad Ali Jafari, Commander of the , Head of the Army of the Guardians of the Islamic National Iranian Oil Company- Mr. Zangeneh Revolution- The Army of the Guardians of the began his career during the Revolution as a high Islamic Revolution is the most effective military advisor for oil companies. He quickly escalated group in Iran and Commander Jafari holds the his career by becoming the Minister of Energy highest rank as the Major General. Compared to in 1989. The driving force behind Mr. Zangeneh the German SS, the Army of of the was monetary gain within the nation and abroad. Islamic Revolution is devoted to the Islamic Mr. Zangeneh is known for taking risks and his State of Iran. The men within serve to protect risks do prevail. By taking out loans from and preserve the values of Islam within the state foreign aid, he was able to jump start Iran’s oil and dennounce any foreign infiltration that industries leading the state to become one of the attempt to spread false teachings of Islam in main exporters of such a precious commodity. accordance to the Iranian government. Having With his many successes for Iran, Mr. Zangeneh up to date resources, military weaponry, and keeps his personal life private. It has been more than enough funding, Commander Jafari rumored he has a net worth of hundreds of and his men are capable of enacting any needed millions and his life is a mystery to most, action to protect and pursue the teachings of including those within this council who are Ayatollah Khamenei as law. Critics find jealous of his potential hidden wealth. Commander Jafari to be old schooled, like General Dehghan, but his loyalty to the state and , Minister of the Ayatollah are unmatched. Some believe he is Interior- An open, honest book, Minister Fazli willing to interrogate his own family to the is trusted by all and keeps his image in check. highest extent possible if it means to gain any Previously holding the position as President of information that will help Iran develop the Supreme Audit Court of Iran for five years, according to Ayatollah. 20 Minister Fazli had the responsibility and access to critical financial information for all ministries and did his duty diligently. He did not take any

19 “Biography of Chitchian, Proposed as Minister of 20 Alireza Nader, “Profile: Revolutionary Guards Energy,” IRNA English (IRNA English, August 5, Chief Gen. Jafari,” RAND Corporation, January 22, 2013), https://en.irna.ir/news/80763568/Biography- 2013, https://www.rand.org/blog/2013/01/profile- of-Chitchian-proposed-as-Minister-of-Energy revolutionary-guards-chief-gen-jafari.html

Cabinet of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 2020

of the information to use against others and was puppets from Israel. Some sanctions were able fair throughout his service. He is a reliable man to remove Iran from SWIFT, making the country who puts the good of the state before others and a cash only economy. If it was not for the work himself. Minister Fazli is not afraid to of Minister Tayebnia, the state could have whistleblow on anyone, no matter the rank, collapsed. His main duty is to keep the economy wealth, or power, in order to protect and pursue growing no matter what happens with foreign Iranian national interests. His loyalty is influences pressuring the economy to fail. If the undoubtedly to the state and only the state. In his economy recedes too far, the state may never be current position, Minister Fazli is responsible for able to regroup to its original strength again. overseeing all aspects of the government, but Minister Tayebnia is quite popular with the most importantly monitoring all elections. Many Majilis for his economic reform practices. With find Minister Fazli “incorruptible” among the his educational background from the University public eye and government officials.21 of Tehran in economics and from the London School of Economics no one else is the perfect Mohammad Sarafraz, Head of Islamic match for this career than he.23 Republic of Iran Broadcasting- Working for the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, IRIB, Ali Rabiei, Minister of Cooperatives, Labour, for over 25 years Mr. Sarafraz has seen it all. and Social Welfare- If foreign sanctions were The responsibility of the IRIB is to share to be imposed upon Iran, the Ministry of information throughout the state to remind the Cooperatives, Labour, and Social Welfare must Iranian people the power the government has to take action immediately. This responsibility protect all and punish those who threaten their belongs to Minister Rabei, who ensures that the livelihood. Mr. Sarafraz has come under fire people are employed and fed. Minister Rabei more than once from the western world for and this ministry control the social security broadcasting acts of “human rights violations” program in Iran for times of need and acceptable against foreigners. He has been tried in retirement instances. However, in the event of international court for these violations, but has war, or simply heightened military needs, this always managed to get out with the help of other ministry will be one of the few who will face a government officials. Mr. Sarafraz is loyal to the reduced amount of funding from the state and continues to work for the government government. Minster Rabei has worked in and broadcast any message they wish. He is the Labour since the Revolution and is not quite one who paints the reality for what the satisfied with this position, but in the name of government seeks their people to believe Ayatollah he stays to serve his duty. As much as through media exposure. 22 he would like to try new fields, Minister Rabei stays to protect the innocent Iranians who suffer , Minister of Economic Affairs from foreign sanctions and restrictions. 24 and Finance- It is no secret that Iran has faced illegal sanctions imposed by the west and their

21 “Biography of Chitchian, Proposed as Minister of 23 “Biography of Tayebnia, Proposed as Minister of Energy,” IRNA English (IRNA English, August 5, Economic Affairs and Finance,” IRNA English 2013), https://en.irna.ir/news/80763568/Biography- (IRNA English, August 5, 2013), of-Chitchian-proposed-as-Minister-of-Energy https://en.irna.ir/news/80763598/Biography-of- 22 Ifmat Ifmat, “Mohammad Sarafraz,” IFMAT, Tayebnia-proposed-as-minister-of-Economic-Affairs April 23, 2020, 24 “LinkFang,” Ali Rabiei - en.LinkFang.org, https://www.ifmat.org/04/23/mohammad-sarafraz/ accessed September 19, 2020, https://en.linkfang.org/wiki/Ali_Rabiei

Cabinet of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 2020

Mostafa Pourmohammadi, Minister of necessary authorities to handle the disloyalty of Justice- Having close ties to Ayatollah the guilty individuals.26 Khomeini and Khamenei , Minister Pourmohammadi is a loyalist to his nation and , Minister of Science, deemed to be untouchable. As Minister of Research, and Technology- The Ministry of Justice, he has the duty of determining the final Science, Research and Technology is crucial to verdict for all cases brought to the government. the long term development of Iran by recruiting By accumulating his wealth and trusting his the brightest and most creative minds the state close relations, Minister Pourmohammadi has has to offer. With the drive of innovation this completed some gruesome tasks at the request of Ministry pushes its members to their greatest the Ayatollahs. It is known that Minister potential in order to pursue Iran's national Pourmohammadi has assassinated several interests. Minister Farhadi oversees the entire individuals with the permission from Ayatollah, ministry, but he also determines which sections but he has also been accused by Reporters within the ministry are of more importance. without Borders and the Human Rights watch Originally, Minister Farhadi’s focus was on the for his role in the execution of political prisoners development of Iran’s space program, but with in 1988. His image has been used by western new successes from the nuclear energy field media as propaganda for the “ horrors of the occuring, he has shifted his attention. Minister Middle East”.25 Farhadi is a scientist and has no proper political experience compared to the other men within , Minister of Information this council. Choosing to live down his personal and Communication- Any phone call, text life for the sake of his work, his loyalty is to the message, email, or website visit goes through the scientific community of Iran and the information Ministry of Information and Communications that the government determines beneficial. Very and Minister Vaezi has this information in the little is known to the public about Minister palm of his hand. Minister Vaezi has made the Farhadi’s childhood and upbringing, but when decision to advance online algorithms to he began studies in Quantum Physics from MIT increase surveillance throughout the state. to earn his Doctorate, records appeared to place Starting from a private sector in communication Minister Farhadi as an assassin in training to his current positions, Minister Vaezi is throughout his twenties. It is believed that his innovative with current technology for the training started during the Revolution, and with general population. His technology is quite the permission of the Ayatollah, he killed remarkable that even tech giant China has asked anyone the Ayatollah ordered to; ranking up to the Minister for assistance from time to time. 100 bodies within a five year period. When the Any form of online activity that goes against the Ayatollah passed, Minister Farhadi was cleared government or the Ayatollah will immediately of his actions and celebrated as an Iranian hero be picked up by the algorithms alerting the by government officials as he returned back to his studies.

25 7026, “Biography of ,” IRNA English (IRNA English, August 5, 2013), IRNA English (IRNA English, August 5, 2013), https://en.irna.ir/news/80763555/Biography-of- https://en.irna.ir/news/80763397/Biography-of- Vaezi-proposed-minister-of-Communications-and- Mostafa-Pourmohammadi Information 26 7030, “Biography of Vaezi, Proposed Minister of Communications and Information Technology,”

ODUMUNC 2021 Crisis Brief

Cabinet of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 2020

by Sophia Marie Porter ODU United Nations Society

Cabinet of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 2020

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