Iran's Supreme Leader Mandates Control Over Presidential Candidate Campaigns

The Office of Iran's Supreme Leader issued a warning against the 'misquoting’ of Ali Khamenei and his officials by presidential candidates and their teams in a bid to further contol the campaign narrative.

A statement released Tuesday stated: "Any quote not documented by existing and written records of the statements and comments of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution lacks credibility and reference."

The office criticized the "incomplete or incorrect references" made by presidential candidates and their associates, insisting that all quotes must be verified through official documents.

During the televised campaigns for the June 28 snap presidential election, candidates handpicked by the core of the establishment frequently invoked quotes and remarks by Ali Khamenei to lend credibility to their statements.

While the directive is perceived as an effort to tighten control over information and mute independent voices before the elections, many interpret this as Khamenei's strategy to distance himself from any potential failures of the next president.

The elections have been called in the wake of the sudden death of President Ebrahim Raisi last month in a freak helicopter crash.