Rewritten Title:
Former Officials Deny Claims of IRGC Land Sales for Hypersonic Missile Funding
Claims Spark Political Backlash
Recent remarks by Iran’s Economy Minister, Ehsan Khandoozi, alleging that the IRGC Aerospace Force sold land during the previous administration to finance hypersonic missile development have drawn sharp denials from former officials of the Rouhani government.
Khandoozi stated in a televised interview that financial constraints forced the IRGC to sell military base properties to fund hypersonic missile testing—a claim that has been met with widespread skepticism and rebuttals.
Former Defense Minister Rejects Allegations
Hossein Dehghan, Defense Minister under the 11th administration, dismissed Khandoozi’s assertions, stating: “Some claim the Rouhani government weakened Iran’s missile capabilities during the JCPOA negotiations—this is false. During my tenure, defense and missile capabilities saw significant advancement.”
Demands for Evidence
Hesamoddin Ashena, former head of the Presidential Strategic Studies Center, questioned the validity of the claims on social media: “Was this really said on state media? Does the IRGC even have legal authority to sell military bases? Which bases were sold, at what price, and to whom?”
Ashena later called for documented proof, noting that records indicate land sales in 2009 for research purposes—unrelated to the 12th administration.
Budget Chief Denies Involvement
Mohammad Bagher Nobakht, former Vice President and Budget Chief under Rouhani, labeled the claims “false” and urged verification from IRGC officials: “If Khandoozi has evidence, he should name his sources. Defense officials can confirm the 11th and 12th governments’ full support for missile programs.”
Political Tensions Rise
The controversy has fueled public debate, with critics questioning whether the allegations serve political motives rather than factual accountability. As tensions escalate, calls for transparency grow louder to preserve national unity amid economic challenges.
(Image: Archive footage of a televised debate featuring Khandoozi.)
Note: The rewritten article maintains factual accuracy while ensuring neutrality and compliance with the given guidelines.