Source: KCRW’s To The Point
Speaking to KCRW’s To The Point, Carnegie’s Karim Sadjadpour argued that while Iranian president Hassan Rouhani overwhelmingly represents the popular opinion of a population that wants to be integrated with the outside world, the main levers of power in Iran are all controlled by the office of the Supreme Leader.
Sadjadpour went on to note that Rouhani has never directly challenged the Supreme Leader. “I think it was a brave piece of political theater, Rouhani threatening this idea of a referendum,” he said, “but it was just that. It was political theater. I don’t think this reflects a true battle for power taking place in Iran.”