It was Khamenehi’s afirst step into a political issue that has been aired more and more in recent months. Critics of Ahmadi-nejad have been accusing him and his supporters of being insufficiently Islamic and of focusing too much attention on “nationalist” matters, such as Iran’s ancient history.
Khamenehi’s website reported on a meeting Monday between the Leader and the president and his cabinet. It was there that Khamenehi lectured them.
Ahmadi-nejad’s chief of staff, Esfandiar Rahim-Mashai, has been harshly criticized by conservatives for laying greater stress on Iranian history prior to Islam and stands accused of heading a “deviant current” aimed at derailing the Islamic Republic.
Mashai used to be seen at Ahmadi-nejad’s elbow at public events. But since Ahmadi-nejad tried to defy the Supreme Leader in April, Mashai has gone to ground and has not been seen at any public events.
According to the website report on the Monday meeting, Khamenehi laid stress on cultural issues, saying: “In the issue of culture—including books, art, art organizations—we must relentlessly maintain the revolutionary and Islamic direction.”
Khamenehi called for amicable relations amongst government bodies and called on Ahmadi-nejad administration to refrain from “conflict and retaliation” in the face of criticism. Khamenehi also urged the government to refrain from digressing into disputes.
Ahmadi-nejad long seemed to delight in picking fights with the Majlis and ignoring legislation when the Majlis didn’t do as the president wished. But since April, Ahmadi-nejad has been a changed man who has avoided such clashes. Thus it was unclear why Khamenehi chose to highlight this issue, which is now out-of-date.
Some noted that Khamenehi dressed down the Majlis when he met with deputies a few weeks back and speculated the Supreme Leader was trying to appear balanced by critiquing the president and his cabinet Monday.