The International Institute for Iranian Studies (Rasanah) has issued its monthly report, Iran Case File for July 2019, providing readers in general and researchers in particular an accurate and detailed review of Iranian affairs, exploring its features and interactions at various levels. In the The Ideological File, the report discusses the statement calling on the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to resign, signed by 14 activists, indicating a rejection of the Velayat-e Faqih theory by segments of Iranian society which states that the supreme leader is appointed by God and cannot be removed by the constitution but through the Assembly of Experts. The assembly is made up of jurists based on farfetched criteria.
The Political File unveils how Khamenei continued his domestic policies, which could be described as a “no-change policy.” As the midterm elections approach for the Guardian Council, the Iranian supreme leader renewed the membership of jurists who have maintained their seats for 40 years. This is an indication of Khamenei continuing his policy of keeping a close watch on the presidential and parliamentary elections, which is called in Iran “correctional censorship.” The Economic File discusses the Iranian government’s decision to alter the Iranian budget’s items due to its failure in achieving the target set for oil exports during the first three months of the budget, approved on March 21, which was strong evidence of its inability to run the state in light of the sanctions on Iran’s oil exports. The Military File explores Iran’s test-firing of the Shihab-3 long-range ballistic missile, representing a new sign of defiance against the international community.
Arab Affairs discusses the Iraqi decision to integrate the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) into the regular army in Iraq, which triggered a great deal of controversy. In particular the controversy revolved around the motives behind the decision taken by Prime Minister Adel Abdel-Mahdi, the scope of its implementation and its repercussions on Iranian influence in Iraq.
International Affairs sheds light on the US’ imposition of sanctions on Iran and its militias.
In EU-Iran Relations, the report explores the tense relations between Iran and the UK, while in Russia-Iran relations, the report reviews Russian support for Iran after it seized oil tankers in the Gulf.