During his speech, which welcomed the Iranian New Year, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei praised the country's strides in scientific, technological, and infrastructure sectors over the previous year.
At the heart of Iran's “Second Phase of the Islamic Revolution” is the intent to give birth to a new form of political and bureaucratic leadership that values ideology over expertise.
One way to read Iran’s political tea leaves is through candidate disqualifications. That way, it can be seen what the future may have in store for the Islamic Republic.
Iran’s official line is that the visit by Raisi is about economic and commercial issues and the Palestinian issue is only a close second in the discussions.
It must be seen, so the region understands, that Hamas has lost its grip on Gaza and is no longer in control.
Nearly 100 people were killed at a memorial in the city of Kerman on Wednesday for top commander Qassem Soleimani, who was assassinated in Iraq in 2020 by a US drone.
Hamas denied Iran's statement, saying: "The reasons for the operation of the Flood of al-Aqsa, and foremost are the dangers that threaten al-Aqsa Mosque."
There is a "clearly a growing relationship in the defense realm" between Iran and Russia, US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said.
Iran hopes to ally with Eastern powers to gain economic and political power in the Middle East.
"Washington asks us to not do anything, but they keep giving widespread support to Israel,” wrote the Iranian president.