Rewritten Title:
General Dehghan Firmly Rejects Claims on IRGC Land Sales for Hypersonic Missile Funding
Ministers Clash Over Alleged IRGC Land Sales Under Previous Administration
Recent claims by Iran’s Economy Minister Ehsan Khandouzi regarding the sale of IRGC Aerospace Force lands to fund hypersonic missile development during the previous administration have sparked strong denials and backlash from former officials.
Khandouzi stated in a televised interview that financial constraints forced the IRGC to sell military base properties to cover hypersonic missile testing costs—an assertion met with widespread skepticism and swift rebuttals.
Defense Officials Deny Allegations
Hossein Dehghan, Defense Minister under the 11th government, categorically dismissed Khandouzi’s claims, emphasizing Iran’s unwavering commitment to military advancement. “Some allege that the Rouhani administration weakened Iran’s missile capabilities during JCPOA negotiations—this is false,” Dehghan stated. “During my tenure, the country’s missile and defense capabilities saw unprecedented growth.”
Hesamoddin Ashena, former head of the President’s Strategic Studies Center, questioned the legality of such sales, demanding evidence: “Did state media really report this? Does the IRGC even have legal authority to sell bases? Which bases, at what price, and to whom?”
Calls for Transparency
Mohammad Bagher Nobakht, former Vice President and Budget Chief, labeled Khandouzi’s remarks “false” and urged verification from senior IRGC officials. “If any military figure made such claims, let General Dehghan, Amir Hatami, or IRGC budget officials clarify,” he asserted.
Public Skepticism Grows
Analysts question the timing and motives behind the allegations, with some suggesting political tensions may be at play. Without concrete documentation, critics argue such claims risk inflaming divisions rather than fostering unity.
As debates intensify, officials stress the need for factual dialogue to preserve national cohesion amid broader strategic priorities.
(Image: Archive footage of economic debates—unrelated to the claims.)
