Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Strongly Criticizes Iran’s Election Process in Interview with CNBC
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, former president of Iran and a disqualified candidate in the 2021 elections who has been critical of various government policies, discussed several issues in an interview with CNBC, including the nuclear agreement between Iran and six world powers, presidential elections, and coronavirus management in Iran.
Regarding the nuclear agreement, Ahmadinejad stated that the JCPOA, rather than resolving problems, led to the creation of more difficulties.
He noted, however, that a new nuclear agreement with the United States is possible, but given the apparent differences between the two sides, he believes the two countries must “change their perspectives and have a different view of each other.”
Ahmadinejad said that if they proceed on the basis of “justice and mutual respect,” the problems are solvable.
Regarding his disqualification by the Guardian Council, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad stated: “Any decision that prevents people from influencing the outcome of elections is contrary to the spirit of the revolution and the constitution.”
On relations between Iran and Persian Gulf littoral states that are improving ties with the United States, Ahmadinejad said that arms sales remain a challenge for stability in the region.
He stated: “When tens of billions of dollars in weapons are sold annually to countries in the region, this creates major problems, threatens regional security, and constitutes a form of intervention.”
Iran’s former president, commenting on the management of the coronavirus outbreak in the country, said people believe officials failed in their response to the pandemic. He stated: “Frontline workers and medical staff worked tirelessly; however, the overall management was ineffective and illogical.”
Source: Voice of America
