Pundit says Pezeshkian should follow Khamenei in foreign policy

Saeed Laylaz, a supporter of president-elect, Masoud Pezeshkian, said it would not be in his interest to act without the lead of the Supreme Leader on foreign policy.

In an interview with KhabarOnline, he stressed the critical role of Khamenei in shaping Iran's foreign policy, saying, "I don't see it at all in the interest of Pezeshkian to make even the smallest move in the field of foreign policy without Khamenei's permission and approval."

The comments follow fears amid the presidential campaign that he may veer away from previous president’s approach.

Laylaz stressed the complexity of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear discussions which now face the new president.

Iran’s ongoing nuclear program has seen the country slammed with global sanctions thrusting the Iranian population into a dire economic crisis.

He noted, "The era of election slogans is over. We must take into account Iran's national and geopolitical interests.”

He said the JCPOA issue is “more complex than what was raised in the debates” calling for discussions with the country’s security, military, economic, and political experts, “in 100% interaction with the Supreme Leader."

Iran’s Supreme Leader holds ultimate control over the country’s economic, political, social and military workings.