introduction - odu - old dominion university
TRANSCRIPT
ODUMUNC 2021 Crisis Brief
Cabinet of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 2020
by Sophia Marie Porter ODU United Nations Society
Introduction The United States has always been in the way of
Iranian relations and development. The state is
fully aware of the power Iran possesses as it
grows into an influential state in its region and
overseas; threatening America’s security
interests and challenging its dwindling economy.
It is noticeable worldwide that the Middle East
struggles with security from time to time relating
to economic, political, and humanitarian issues,
but the causes do not come from Middle Eastern
countries.
For Iranian leaders, the current issues within the
region are the faults of the West who play games
of hegemonic destruction and invasion in the
Middle East with no regard for the innocent
lives who must endure the hardship and pain of
conflict, not to mention the blatant disregard and
violation of state sovereignty. Tensions between
Iran and the United States are high. Neither side
shows any willingness to surrender to the others,
or rely on diplomacy.
Meanwhile, other states in the region are circling
against Iran, including Saudi Arabia, which
could develop nuclear weapons, and Israel,
which continues to oppose the just rights of the
Palestinian people—who’s cause is Iran’s
cause—and most recently won diplomatic
recognition from the traitorous regime of the
United Arab Emirates (UAE).1
1 Jeremy Bowen, ‘Five reasons why Israel's peace
deals with the UAE and Bahrain matter’, BBC News,
14 September 2020,
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-
54151712
To convey Iranian frustration and power, the
Iran armed forces and the Iranian Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) are authorized to use
weapons and military assistance with third
parties to oppose American forces. Rockets have
been fired countless times near American bases
and airports, mostly fired by Iraqi Shi’ite
militias, but sometimes from Iran itself.
Although the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of
Action (JCPoA, or the Iran Deal), ended Iran’s
ability to acquire nuclear weapons in the short
term, the United States walked out of the
agreement on 8 July 2018.2 Iran has continued to
adhere to much of the agreement anyway. It still
does not have nuclear weapons, but it has
gradually accelerated its program to create
fissile, low-enriched Uranium that can be used
2 Kelsey Davenport, ‘The Joint Comprehensive Plan
of Action (JCPOA) at a Glance’, Arms Control
Association, October, 2020,
https://www.armscontrol.org/factsheets/JCPOA-at-a-
glance
Cabinet of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 2020
to make nuclear weapons quickly. And Iranian
leaders feel increasing pressure to act in
response to American pressure.
Time is limited for Iran to respond to the
situation. This council must act quickly and
decisively to make the needed changes in order
to rise. Relations with Iraq, Lebanon and Syria
are beneficial to Iranian success, but other
regional actors, including allies of Washington,
like Saudi Arabia, Israel, Jordan and the United
Arab Emirates stand in the way unless this
Council can convince their governments or their
peoples otherwise.3
This session starts on 3 February 2020, a month
after the death of the beloved martyr of the
Iranian Revolution, IRGC General Qasem
Soleimani, assassinated by the United States.4
History The Islamic Republic of Iran has a beautiful and
enriched history dating all the way to 8000 BC.
Agriculture and domestication of animals
flourished in Iran due to the geographical
location while supporting the development of
society and interaction with other neighboring
spurs. Shifts of relations and trade brought
wisdom to Iran and bestowed the Islamic
religion to grace its followers. With strict
practice, the evolution of Islam and government
soon took hold of one another while battling
human behavior that goes against Islamic
beliefs. Empires expanded to and from Iran, but
globalization soon came into play and indirectly
changed course for the state.5
3 Indra Ekmanis, “Escalating Conflict with Iran:
What's Happening?,” PRI, January 6, 2020,
https://www.pri.org/stories/2020-01-06/escalating-
conflict-iran-whats-happening. 4 Karen Zraick, ‘What to Know About the Death of
Iranian General Suleimani’, New York Times, 9 July
2020,
Iran’s martyred hero, IRGC General Qasem Soleimani in
2018
The Buildup to the Iranian
Revolution
In the early twentieth century, Iranians from
almost all social classes united to demand the
end of the royal corruption from the Persian
Empire during the Qajar dynasty as well as the
invasion from foreign nations who sought
economic relations to keep the empire intact.
This six-year revolution became known as the
Constitutional Revolution (1905-1911)6 which
succeeded in exposing the acquisitiveness of the
shah and fellow aristocrats who used their status
to deepen their pockets and deprived the public
and environment of resources. Iranians
exclaimed how the shah has become a hypocrite
to his people and that the monarchy will be
replaced by another form of government.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/03/world/middlee
ast/suleimani-dead.html 5 “Iran 8000-2000 B.C.,” metmuseum.org, accessed
September 3, 2020,
https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/ht/02/wai.html. 6 Electricpulp.com, “Encyclopædia Iranica,” 2011,
https://iranicaonline.org/articles/constitutional-
revolution-i.
Cabinet of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 2020
Time Magazine’s Man of the Year in 1953. Iran’s first,
brief experiment with democracy: Prime Minister
Mohammad Mosaddegh, overthrown in a coup organized
by the United Kingdom and United States in 1953.
After the Constitutional Revolution, waves of
political reformation and styles of government
were attempted to be made permanent by
different political parties, but these changes were
difficult to uphold due to the consistent
intervention from other nations. The United
Kingdom, United States, and Russia all
interfered with Iran’s political challenges to
pursue their dominance and influence over the
oil rich state for economic power. The constant
interference from the West and Orthodox East
soon led to the United Kingdom supporting Iran
to return to the monarchy and assisted the shah
to the throne in 1921. 7
7 Electricpulp.com, “Encyclopædia Iranica,” 2011,
https://iranicaonline.org/articles/constitutional-
revolution-i.
After further political controversies and
uprisings, as the Iran leaders tried to reassert
control of the country, in 1941 the United
Kingdom returned from exile Mohammad Reza
Pahlavi, son of the previous shah, who was
installed as shah in 1941. The modernizing
(Westernizing) shah was greatly resented as he
tried to force his will on the conservative society
he inherited.
In 1951-53 a democratic revolution swept Iran,
which elected its first democratic parliament,
and chose as its first democratic Prime Minister
Mohammad Mosaddegh. When Mosaddegh
tried to nationalize control of Iran’s oil
industry—then controlled by the British—the
US Central Intelligence Agency and the UK
Secret Intelligence Service organized a coup to
remove Mosaddegh.
The coup led to a revolutionary that forever
changed Iranian society. The restored Shah
Pahlavi disbanded the Iranian Parliament,
forcing tens of thousands of Iranian intellectuals,
nationalists and religious leaders to flee the
country as refugees. His rule was unpopular, but
stabilized by the internal security services,
which used force, imprisonment and torture to
suppress dissent.
To replace the Parliament, Pahlavi organized the
White Revolution. The purpose for those in the
White Revolution was to accelerate the
development of urbanization and westernization
for the state of Iran while pretending to care
about democracy and human rights to please the
West. The White Revolution was triumphant in
enhancing the urbanization of the state and
ignoring the violation of human rights as the
public suffered from quick cultural changes that
only those living in major cities would see. The
Cabinet of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 2020
combination of economic success and poor
social conditions in the state led to inflation and
anger amongst Iranians. With about a decade of
unstable living conditions the opposition to the
monarchy expanded.
Friend of America and the British, enemy of Iranian
religious leaders: Mohammad Reza Pahlavi (1919-80), last
Shah (King) of Iran, 16 September 1941 to 11 February
1979.
By the 1970s, Pahlavi made political
participation from any party or group nearly
impossible as he censored any opinion that did
not praise him or the work he had done. He
authorized cruel punishment to those who
exhibited any type of opposition to his
government, thus infuriating the majority even
more.
Among those who were severely affected were
Islamic religious leaders, all belonging to the
majority-Iranian Shi’ite sect. They were led by
Ayatollah (Shi’ite religious leaders) Ruhollah
Khomeini, a professor from the Iranian religious
center of Qom, grew in popularity because of his
argument that with the help of the Ulema, the
shah will be overthrown. Forced into exile, first
in Turkey, then Paris, Khomeini preached of
Pahlavi’s failure and urged his overthrow.
Cassette audio recordings of his speech were
secretly sent into Iran and shared with
commoners to ignite the fire within them and
come to the realization that Pahlavi is ruining
their livelihoods. Supported by the United States
and Israel, Pahlavi believed he could handle an
outbreak from citizens revolting in mass
quantities thinking that the two states would step
in and back up his forces.
Overthrowing the Shah and completing the Islamic
Revolution; the Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini returns from
exile in 1979.
Iranian Revolution
With decades of corruption and economic
inequality, Iranians were becoming restless with
the state of their environment. Although there
have been many call outs and protests against
the shah before, opposition to the shah was
Cabinet of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 2020
dangerous, led entirely from exile. But
opposition by religious leaders gained
legitimacy and acceptance through the 1970s. In
January of 1978 thousands of Iranian madrasah
(religious school) students publically protested
against the shah and in support of the Ayatollah
Khomeini.8 Soon opposition became a massive
populist revolt. Religious students were joined
by pious congregants, rural, working class and
unemployed Iranians. Only the middle classes
and professionals supported the shah, and their
numbers were limited. Worrying for his safety,
Pahlavi suspected these protesters to be part of
an international force attempting to remove him
from power, thus he allowed his forces to
murder the innocent protestors.
Being a Shi’ite country, the death of the Iranian
protestors were properly followed by the public
to remember those who have passed since
martyrdom is a foundational part of religious
practice. Unfortunately, those who abided by the
religious practice for the forty-day period were
also murdered by Pahlavi’s forces thus restarting
the cycle of duly obeying Shi’ite law. This cycle
of violence escalated with each death of Iranian
brothers and sisters. After a few months of these
protests, the shah’s regime authorized martial
law on 8 September 1979. This led the military
to open fire upon protests in Tehran killing
hundreds. In the following months, government
officials and workers began boycotting and
striking against the regime; most notably the
workers in the oil industry. With no fear of
death, pious Iranians marched courageously
together gaining attention worldwide.
While in exile, the brilliant Ayatollah Khomeini
orchestrated his plan to rid the shah of power
permanently. The following year, the shah and
his family announced that they would take a
8 Janet Afary, “Iranian Revolution,” March 25, 2020,
https://www.britannica.com/event/Iranian-
Revolution.
vacation and immediately left Iran and
appointed Prime Minister Shahpur Bakhtiar and
the Regency Council to take charge in times of
his cowardly absence. Bakhtiar and the council
failed in gaining the cooperation of the public;
the popularity for Khomeini was unmatched and
the people viewed him to be the one who would
save them from the shah. On 1 February,
Khomeini returned to Iran, welcomed with
public rejoicing. Ten days later the shah’s
security services declared themselves neutral,
leading Bakhtiar and other shah-backed political
officials to be exiled.
Khomeini declared Iran to be the Islamic
Revolutionary State of Iran two months after his
return. Exhilarated with the removal of the shah
and replacement by Ayatollah Khomeini
himself, anti-American and anti-West sentiment
began to spring up to further demonstrate the
fury Iranians have had due to their unneeded
involvement. The new parliament, the Majles-e
Khobregān, or Assembly of Experts, wrote a
new constitution that was heavily influenced by
Khomeini’s vision and led to Iran becoming a
religious government. The new government
practices conservative ideals, nationalist
fundamentals, and economic power through the
world’s most crucial resource, oil, and soon to
be nuclear energy. Ayatollah Khomeini died in
June 1989 and was succeeded by Ayatollah Ali
Khameini, who remains to this day as supreme
leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran.9
Iran’s Nuclear Energy
Iran began its nuclear program under the
disgraced shah. It’s first nuclear reactor was
purchased with the support of the United States;
the Tehran Research Reactor (TRR) in 1967.
The TRR is a small research reactor, operating
9 Janet Afary, “Iranian Revolution,” March 25, 2020,
https://www.britannica.com/event/Iranian-
Revolution.
Cabinet of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 2020
with highly-enriched (bomb fuel level) uranium
up to 93 percent purity. In the early 1970s, the
Iranian ratified the Nuclear Nonproliferation
Treaty (NPT), the international agreement under
which Iran agreed not to acquire nuclear
weapons, and calling for Iran to pursue only
“peaceful nuclear programs for power
generation”.10
Iranian civilian power generation reactors at Bushehr
From there, the shah created the Atomic Energy
Association of Iran (AEOI), to fulfill his plans of
constructing multiple nuclear plants and a
nuclear fuel cycle. His plans were paused by the
Iranian Revolution. Nuclear plans halted,
including the end of construction of German-
design civilian power generation reactors at
Bushehr. After German withdrew from the
project, those reactors were completed with help
from Russia. Fueling the TRR and Bushehr
reactors is a justification for Iran’s subsequent
development of nuclear enrichment capability.
With no support from the international
community and changes in Iranian leadership,
nuclear engineering and development were
difficult to continue. Iran did receive some help
10 “Iran and the NPT,” The Iran Primer, January 22,
2020,
https://iranprimer.usip.org/blog/2020/jan/22/iran-and-
npt.
from smaller states, such as Argentina,
throughout the 1980s and 1990s, and from
Russia and China in the early 2000s. To add to
the difficulty of picking up nuclear plans and
international relations with the other nations, the
United States Congress passed laws and
sanctions that prohibited Middle Eastern
neighbors and energy companies from trading
with Iran if the goods were to go to Iranian
energy development. The international
harassment continued until Iranian officials
reaffirmed their willingness to cooperate with
the International Atomic Energy Agency
(IAEA), as required by the NPT. Agreement
with the IAEA in late-2003 made nuclear
activity in Iran conditional on allowing IAEA
inspectors full access to inspect current and
future nuclear sites.
Frustrated by the abuse of power from the
Western world, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary
Government continued to expand its nuclear
production capabilities, although it did not build
actual nuclear weapons. Soon, Iran and Russia
concurred in an energy supply agreement that
allowed Iran to develop hexafluoride, a feed
stock for enriching the purity of Uranium. This
step, and reports of extensive nuclear and
missile cooperation with Pakistan and North
Korea, led the UN Security Council to focus on
Iranian capabilities and programs.11
A few months later, the UN Security Council
unanimously passed Resolution 1737 which
“imposes sanctions on Iran for failing to stop its
uranium enrichment programme… imposes a
ban the supply of nuclear-related technology and
materials and imposes assets freeze on key
individuals and companies related to the
11 “Fact Sheets & Briefs,” Timeline of Nuclear
Diplomacy With Iran | Arms Control Association,
July 2020,
https://www.armscontrol.org/factsheets/Timeline-of-
Nuclear-Diplomacy-With-Iran.
Cabinet of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 2020
enrichment programme”.12 This was the first of
many resolutions to pass that targeted Iran and
their continuation of nuclear activity.
In the following years, Israel and the United
states would share classified information about
Iranian nuclear development and successes with
the public to once more push a false image of
Iran’s nuclear power. Sanctions continued to
decrease economic growth for Iran specifically
in its nuclear energy department. However, the
intelligence and hard work of the Iranian
scientists in the nuclear energy field did not stop
the country from accumulating weaponry and
use for nuclear energy. These triumphant
moments startled the five permanent members
(the P5: China, France, Russia, the UK and US)
of the UN Security Council, leading to more
attempts to limit Iranian nuclear development.
Current Situation Beginning in 2013 and continuing through 2015,
Iranian officials met with foreign powers to
negotiate a new arrangement, whereby Iran
would agree to restrict its nuclear program in
exchange for relief from foreign trade sanctions.
These negotiations were between Tehran and the
so-called P5+1 (China, France, Russia, the UK
and US, plus Germany, with the European
Union also heavily engaged).
In July of 2015, Iranian leaders met with the
P5+1 negotiators in Vienna where they agreed to
accept the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action
(the JCPoA, or the Iran Deal). This agreement
ensures “Iran’s compliance with the nuclear-
related provisions will be verified by the
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
according to certain requirements set forth in the
agreement”.13 Reluctantly, the Islamic State of
12 “S/RES/1737 (2006) Security Council,” United
Nations (United Nations), accessed September 3,
2020, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/s/res/1737-
(2006).
Iran accepted this plan. The JCPoA is not a
treaty—it was not formally signed or ratified.
Rather, the parties agree to coordinate their
domestic policies, with the understanding that
any violation will result in unliteral reactions by
other parties.
Iranian ballistic missiles on public display in Tehran, ready
to defend the Islamic Revolution.
Loosely following the agreement, Iranian
officials encouraged nuclear scientists and
engineers to continue developing nuclear energy
while creating precautions so that other states
and international organizations are unaware of
their actions. Suspicions were growing from
outside sources of these developments, but
disloyalty to the state was taken seriously and
swiftly. The state cannot fall behind in nuclear
development in any form, but the prejudice from
the West and their allies are interfering with
Iran’s right to sovereignty and jurisdiction.
Unknown to the West, certain ministries are on
the verge of breakthrough with nuclear energy
development that could make Iran a leading
force. Key ministers hold the intelligence over
the development while others run the funding
and support.
13 Kelsey Davenport, “Fact Sheets & Briefs,” Arms
Control Association, May 2018,
https://www.armscontrol.org/factsheets/JCPOA-at-a-
glance
Cabinet of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 2020
Issues Facing the Council
This international agreement and many other
factors dare to limit Iran’s true potential. The
consistent spying, physical torture, and
economic sanctions have made life harder than it
has to be for all Iranians. The JCPoA and
infiltration of the IAEA must be dealt with in a
way that this council decides to benefit the state.
Other focuses for the members of the council is
the withdrawal of the United States from JCPoA
and their close relationship with Israel. And
finally, this council has the choice to share or
withhold information about the state’s nuclear
development and achievements.14
In light of recent events, General Qasem
Soleimani was murdered by American forces
and tensions between the states are higher than
ever. Does this council have the faith in Allah
and one another to take on the United States or
are there more secrets to be dealt with before
enacting a counterattack? Time will only tell.
Fate now rests in the hands of Ayatollah and this
council. God is greatest, Allahu Akbar!
Members of the Iranian
Cabinet
Meeting of the Iranian Guardian Council
14 Paul K Kerr and Kenneth Katzman, “Iran Nuclear
Agreement and U.S Exit” (Congressional Research
Each member of this council has been selected
because of their loyalty to the state as well as
intelligence and role in their respective fields
and ministries. The fate of Iran depends their
wits and successes. They will cooperate with
one another to devise plans that protect Iran’s
national interests and more importantly the
interests of the previous Supreme Leader
Ayatollah whom they all diligently serve.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (not to be
confused with his predecessor, Ayatollah Ruhollah
Khomeini).
Ayatollah Ali Khameini - the current Supreme
Leader of the Islamic republic of Iran.
Supervises cabinet and guides the Republic to
greatness.
President Hassan Rouhani - (Crisis Chair).
Rouhani is an Iranian politician and cleric who
was elected president of Iran in 2013. His
religious title is Hojatoleslam, a middle rank in
the Shi’ite religious hierarchy. He was arrested
Service , July 20, 2018),
https://fas.org/sgp/crs/nuke/R43333.pdf
Cabinet of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 2020
many times in the 1960s and 1970s as a follower
of Ayatollah Khomeini. Iranian media refers to
Rouhani as the "diplomat sheik." President
Rouhani is keen to see the nuclear deal survive -
even though US President Donald Trump and
opponents of the deal in the United States
Congress are looking for ways to put further
pressure on Iran, or even scrap the deal. Widely
considered a moderate, Rouhani also promised
to revive the sluggish economy, to extend
individual and political freedoms, to steer the
country away from the extremist ideas of the
hardliners, to ensure equality for men and
women, to extend access to internet and
generally work for moderations and an outward-
looking Iran. He was re-elected in May 2017.
Ali Akbar Salehi, Vice President and Head of
the Atomic Energy Organization- A leader
unlike any other, Salehi has had the experience
of being a diplomat and scientist of Iran for over
35 years. Earning his undergraduate at American
University of Beirut in physics and a PhD in
nuclear engineering at Massachusetts Institute of
15 “Dr. Ali Akbar Salehi,” 2020,
https://aeoi.org.ir/EN/portal/home/ 16 “Who Is Hossein Dehghan, Hassan Rouhani's
Choice for Defense Minister,” NCRI (NCRI Foreign
Affairs Committee , August 13, 2013),
Technology, Salehi is a leading figure for the
Atomic Energy Organization. Fluent in English,
Arabic, and Farsi Salehi has been able to
represent Iran on the international stage, but
some loyal followers of Ayatollah fear that his
time in America makes his diplomatic decisions
and AEO choices biased and unfair to the state.
Salehi is viewed to be too “Americanized”.15
Hossein Dehghan, Minister of Defense and
Logistics- General Dehghan is a loyalist to the
Islamic Republic of Iran. Dehghan was a
commander in the Revolutionary Guard in 1979
and was one of the highest ranking military
officials under Ayatollah’s command. President
Rouhani appointed Dehghan to General status in
2013 because of his work ethic and pride in his
nation. Along with his natural military wits,
General Dehghan has a PhD in Management
from the University of Tehran. Western critics
and some Iranians do not agree with the ethical
decisions General Dehghan makes, but the
results are nonetheless acquired.16
https://www.ncr-iran.org/en/ncri-statements/who-is-
hossein-dehghan-hassan-rouhani-s-choice-for-
defense-minister/
Cabinet of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 2020
Ali Jannati, Minister of Islamic Guidance and
Culture- Adored and praised across the state,
Ali Jannati is the man many wish to be. As the
son of Ayatollah Ahmed Jannati, the leader of
prayer in Tehran who had personal relations
with Ayatollah Kohmeini, Ali Jannati has high
social status and respect amongst Iranians at all
levels. Serving his country, Jannati was the
Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces
during the Revolution in the Greater Khorason
region. After some time in the military Jannati
then moved on to join the Islamic Republic of
Iran Broadcasting network. Soon, Jannati
became the Iranian Ambassador to Kuwait and
gained connections across industries, mainly oil,
that built up his wealth. Currently, Jannati serves
the highest position in the government regarding
everything relating to Islam. To uphold the
uniqueness and practice of Iran can only be done
by the Ayatollahs and Minister Jannati. Only
they have the true power to question, and more
so ruin, the reputation of any man suspected of
being unloyal to the state.17
17 “Biography of Jannati, Proposed as Minister of
Culture and the Islamic Guidance,” May 8, 2013,
https://web.archive.org/web/20160304001640/http://
www3.sari.irna.ir/en/News/80763648/Politic/Biograp
hy_of_Jannati,_proposed_as_Minister_of_Culture_an
d_the_Islamic_Guidance
Mohammad Javad Zarif, Minister of Foreign
Affairs- Serving as the Minister of Foreign
Affairs, Minister Zarif holds the same
importance and status as Secretary of State in
the United States. Leaving Iran for higher
education in the United States at the age of 17,
Minister Zarif holds a PhD in International Law
and Policy from the University of Denver.
Starting his career as a member of the Iran
Mission to the UN, Minister Zarif has
successfully closed off certain disputes between
Iran and the United States leading him to his
current position. His international relations and
ability to negotiate have resonated with
President Rouhani deeming him a vital intel for
this council. Yet, due to his past and stay in
America, Minister Zarif is viewed by critics to
not be strong enough to stand up to American
diplomats and officials and pursue Iran’s
national interests to the fullest extent. Simply,
critics find him to be too “middleground” and
“Americanized”.18
18 PeoplePill, “About Mohammad Javad Zarif:
Iranian Politician (1960-): Biography, Facts, Career,
Wiki, Life,” PeoplePill, accessed September 17,
2020, https://peoplepill.com/people/mohammad-
javad-zarif/
Cabinet of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 2020
Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh, Minister of
Industries and Business- Minister Nematzadeh
has contributed to Iran’s political and economic
development on more than one occasion. He has
held this title three times dating back to 1980
assisting in trade and international business for
the state. As a successful negotiator of goods for
international partners, Minister Nematzadeh also
contributes and influences the political world of
Iran. Having close ties with President Rouhani
during his Presidential campaign he was able to
expand his relations thus allowing more
influence and intel on current situations and
troubles Iran faces both domestically and
abroad. Since President Rouhani looks so kindly
at Minster Nematzadeh, his skills of negotiation
and business are needed to protect Iran’s
economy from potential sanctions and tariffs.
Mahmoud Alavi, Minister of Intelligence-
Minister Alavi has two PhD’s in Law and
Islamic Studies and holds the religious position
of Hojjatoleslam, an official authority of Islam.
As Minister of Intelligence, Minister Alavi is in
charge of the Ministry of Intelligence of the
Islamic Republic of Iran, also known as VAJA.
With his experience in the Iranian Parliament
and Military, Minister Alavi determines who are
the allies and enemies of the state based upon
evidence and statements that some may find an
invasion of privacy. However, the VAJA has
been granted authority to carry out tasks to
determine the traitors and enemies of the state
by the government, and although this is found to
be unethical from the outside world it is
necessary; putting Minister Alavi responsible for
all actions taken by VAJA.
Hamid Chitchian, Minister of Energy-
Formerly the head of intelligence, Minister
Chitchian was appointed to Minister of Energy
in 2013. Popular amongst the youth for his
liberal ideologies, Minister Chitchian is in the
public eye for his supporters, critics, and
international intellects as one of the key
individuals behind Iran’s near breakthrough with
nuclear energy. His role is crucial to survey the
power grids throughout Iran while developing
energy solutions that can continue Iran’s
urbanization. However, will his ideologies
become his downfall within this council as the
other members strictly follow the Ayatollah, or
will the popularity amongst the younger
Cabinet of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 2020
generations lead him to a new path and career as
a national leader? 19
Mohammad Ali Jafari, Commander of the
Army of the Guardians of the Islamic
Revolution- The Army of the Guardians of the
Islamic Revolution is the most effective military
group in Iran and Commander Jafari holds the
highest rank as the Major General. Compared to
the German SS, the Army of the Guardian of the
Islamic Revolution is devoted to the Islamic
State of Iran. The men within serve to protect
and preserve the values of Islam within the state
and dennounce any foreign infiltration that
attempt to spread false teachings of Islam in
accordance to the Iranian government. Having
up to date resources, military weaponry, and
more than enough funding, Commander Jafari
and his men are capable of enacting any needed
action to protect and pursue the teachings of
Ayatollah Khamenei as law. Critics find
Commander Jafari to be old schooled, like
General Dehghan, but his loyalty to the state and
Ayatollah are unmatched. Some believe he is
willing to interrogate his own family to the
highest extent possible if it means to gain any
information that will help Iran develop
according to Ayatollah. 20
19 “Biography of Chitchian, Proposed as Minister of
Energy,” IRNA English (IRNA English, August 5,
2013), https://en.irna.ir/news/80763568/Biography-
of-Chitchian-proposed-as-Minister-of-Energy
Bijan Namdar Zangeneh, Head of the
National Iranian Oil Company- Mr. Zangeneh
began his career during the Revolution as a high
advisor for oil companies. He quickly escalated
his career by becoming the Minister of Energy
in 1989. The driving force behind Mr. Zangeneh
was monetary gain within the nation and abroad.
Mr. Zangeneh is known for taking risks and his
risks do prevail. By taking out loans from
foreign aid, he was able to jump start Iran’s oil
industries leading the state to become one of the
main exporters of such a precious commodity.
With his many successes for Iran, Mr. Zangeneh
keeps his personal life private. It has been
rumored he has a net worth of hundreds of
millions and his life is a mystery to most,
including those within this council who are
jealous of his potential hidden wealth.
Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli, Minister of the
Interior- An open, honest book, Minister Fazli
is trusted by all and keeps his image in check.
Previously holding the position as President of
the Supreme Audit Court of Iran for five years,
Minister Fazli had the responsibility and access
to critical financial information for all ministries
and did his duty diligently. He did not take any
20 Alireza Nader, “Profile: Revolutionary Guards
Chief Gen. Jafari,” RAND Corporation, January 22,
2013, https://www.rand.org/blog/2013/01/profile-
revolutionary-guards-chief-gen-jafari.html
Cabinet of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 2020
of the information to use against others and was
fair throughout his service. He is a reliable man
who puts the good of the state before others and
himself. Minister Fazli is not afraid to
whistleblow on anyone, no matter the rank,
wealth, or power, in order to protect and pursue
Iranian national interests. His loyalty is
undoubtedly to the state and only the state. In his
current position, Minister Fazli is responsible for
overseeing all aspects of the government, but
most importantly monitoring all elections. Many
find Minister Fazli “incorruptible” among the
public eye and government officials.21
Mohammad Sarafraz, Head of Islamic
Republic of Iran Broadcasting- Working for
the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, IRIB,
for over 25 years Mr. Sarafraz has seen it all.
The responsibility of the IRIB is to share
information throughout the state to remind the
Iranian people the power the government has to
protect all and punish those who threaten their
livelihood. Mr. Sarafraz has come under fire
more than once from the western world for
broadcasting acts of “human rights violations”
against foreigners. He has been tried in
international court for these violations, but has
always managed to get out with the help of other
government officials. Mr. Sarafraz is loyal to the
state and continues to work for the government
and broadcast any message they wish. He is the
one who paints the reality for what the
government seeks their people to believe
through media exposure. 22
Ali Tayebnia, Minister of Economic Affairs
and Finance- It is no secret that Iran has faced
illegal sanctions imposed by the west and their
21 “Biography of Chitchian, Proposed as Minister of
Energy,” IRNA English (IRNA English, August 5,
2013), https://en.irna.ir/news/80763568/Biography-
of-Chitchian-proposed-as-Minister-of-Energy 22 Ifmat Ifmat, “Mohammad Sarafraz,” IFMAT,
April 23, 2020,
https://www.ifmat.org/04/23/mohammad-sarafraz/
puppets from Israel. Some sanctions were able
to remove Iran from SWIFT, making the country
a cash only economy. If it was not for the work
of Minister Tayebnia, the state could have
collapsed. His main duty is to keep the economy
growing no matter what happens with foreign
influences pressuring the economy to fail. If the
economy recedes too far, the state may never be
able to regroup to its original strength again.
Minister Tayebnia is quite popular with the
Majilis for his economic reform practices. With
his educational background from the University
of Tehran in economics and from the London
School of Economics no one else is the perfect
match for this career than he.23
Ali Rabiei, Minister of Cooperatives, Labour,
and Social Welfare- If foreign sanctions were
to be imposed upon Iran, the Ministry of
Cooperatives, Labour, and Social Welfare must
take action immediately. This responsibility
belongs to Minister Rabei, who ensures that the
people are employed and fed. Minister Rabei
and this ministry control the social security
program in Iran for times of need and acceptable
retirement instances. However, in the event of
war, or simply heightened military needs, this
ministry will be one of the few who will face a
reduced amount of funding from the
government. Minster Rabei has worked in
Labour since the Revolution and is not quite
satisfied with this position, but in the name of
Ayatollah he stays to serve his duty. As much as
he would like to try new fields, Minister Rabei
stays to protect the innocent Iranians who suffer
from foreign sanctions and restrictions. 24
23 “Biography of Tayebnia, Proposed as Minister of
Economic Affairs and Finance,” IRNA English
(IRNA English, August 5, 2013),
https://en.irna.ir/news/80763598/Biography-of-
Tayebnia-proposed-as-minister-of-Economic-Affairs 24 “LinkFang,” Ali Rabiei - en.LinkFang.org,
accessed September 19, 2020,
https://en.linkfang.org/wiki/Ali_Rabiei
Cabinet of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 2020
Mostafa Pourmohammadi, Minister of
Justice- Having close ties to Ayatollah
Khomeini and Khamenei , Minister
Pourmohammadi is a loyalist to his nation and
deemed to be untouchable. As Minister of
Justice, he has the duty of determining the final
verdict for all cases brought to the government.
By accumulating his wealth and trusting his
close relations, Minister Pourmohammadi has
completed some gruesome tasks at the request of
the Ayatollahs. It is known that Minister
Pourmohammadi has assassinated several
individuals with the permission from Ayatollah,
but he has also been accused by Reporters
without Borders and the Human Rights watch
for his role in the execution of political prisoners
in 1988. His image has been used by western
media as propaganda for the “ horrors of the
Middle East”.25
Mahmoud Vaezi, Minister of Information
and Communication- Any phone call, text
message, email, or website visit goes through the
Ministry of Information and Communications
and Minister Vaezi has this information in the
palm of his hand. Minister Vaezi has made the
decision to advance online algorithms to
increase surveillance throughout the state.
Starting from a private sector in communication
to his current positions, Minister Vaezi is
innovative with current technology for the
general population. His technology is quite
remarkable that even tech giant China has asked
the Minister for assistance from time to time.
Any form of online activity that goes against the
government or the Ayatollah will immediately
be picked up by the algorithms alerting the
25 7026, “Biography of Mostafa Pourmohammadi,”
IRNA English (IRNA English, August 5, 2013),
https://en.irna.ir/news/80763397/Biography-of-
Mostafa-Pourmohammadi 26 7030, “Biography of Vaezi, Proposed Minister of
Communications and Information Technology,”
necessary authorities to handle the disloyalty of
the guilty individuals.26
Mohammad Farhadi, Minister of Science,
Research, and Technology- The Ministry of
Science, Research and Technology is crucial to
the long term development of Iran by recruiting
the brightest and most creative minds the state
has to offer. With the drive of innovation this
Ministry pushes its members to their greatest
potential in order to pursue Iran's national
interests. Minister Farhadi oversees the entire
ministry, but he also determines which sections
within the ministry are of more importance.
Originally, Minister Farhadi’s focus was on the
development of Iran’s space program, but with
new successes from the nuclear energy field
occuring, he has shifted his attention. Minister
Farhadi is a scientist and has no proper political
experience compared to the other men within
this council. Choosing to live down his personal
life for the sake of his work, his loyalty is to the
scientific community of Iran and the information
that the government determines beneficial. Very
little is known to the public about Minister
Farhadi’s childhood and upbringing, but when
he began studies in Quantum Physics from MIT
to earn his Doctorate, records appeared to place
Minister Farhadi as an assassin in training
throughout his twenties. It is believed that his
training started during the Revolution, and with
the permission of the Ayatollah, he killed
anyone the Ayatollah ordered to; ranking up to
100 bodies within a five year period. When the
Ayatollah passed, Minister Farhadi was cleared
of his actions and celebrated as an Iranian hero
by government officials as he returned back to
his studies.
IRNA English (IRNA English, August 5, 2013),
https://en.irna.ir/news/80763555/Biography-of-
Vaezi-proposed-minister-of-Communications-and-
Information
ODUMUNC 2021 Crisis Brief
Cabinet of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 2020
by Sophia Marie Porter ODU United Nations Society
Cabinet of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 2020
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