Title: Navigating the Narrative: Political Forces Target Key Figure with False Resignation Claims
A Coordinated Disinformation Campaign
While First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref was in Russia diligently advancing national interests and the public good of the Iranian people, a coordinated group of principlist political and media activists inside Iran launched a campaign of misinformation. They circulated fabricated reports claiming that Mr. Aref had resigned and was leaving the cabinet. This move has been widely condemned as being inconsistent with professional media standards and contrary to the nation’s interests.
Official and Immediate Denials
Immediately following the circulation of the false resignation claim, both official state bodies and Khamehsian, the Deputy for Information of the First Vice President, moved swiftly to deny the allegation. Despite these authoritative rebuttals, the individuals and currents seeking to create distractions for the government not only refused to put the matter to rest but proceeded to publish further false information related to the claim.
The Anatomy of a Fabricated Story
The media group “Omid” recently highlighted the trajectory of this disinformation, noting that the false narrative was initially promoted by the anti-Iranian outlet, “International.” Subsequently, certain domestic media, in a clear act of unprofessionalism, echoed this baseless report, attributing the fabricated news to the First Vice President. This pattern reveals a concerted effort to undermine a senior official through the dissemination of lies.
A Profile in Strength and Dedication
In reality, Mr. Aref’s personal integrity and his profound command of executive and developmental affairs have made him a pillar of strength within the cabinet. Some analysts believe that the campaign to create controversy around him is precisely targeted at attacking one of the administration’s most competent figures. Undeterred by these manufactured distractions, Mr. Aref continued his diplomatic duties, participating in and addressing the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Moscow.
Focus on National Duty and Diplomatic Gains
Demonstrating his unwavering focus on his official responsibilities, the First Vice President concluded his successful two-day visit to Moscow and returned to Tehran on Monday night. Prior to his departure, he briefed reporters on the significant achievements of the trip. His schedule was packed with productive engagements, including meetings with Iranian entrepreneurs and business leaders residing in Russia, consultations with Iranian diplomats, an interaction with Iranian students at Russian universities, and a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Belarus. In a key diplomatic highlight, Mr. Aref, alongside the prime ministers of other participating countries, also held a meeting with Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia.