Former MP Recounts Encounters with Iran’s Supreme Leader, Discusses JCPOA Concerns
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Seyed Hossein Naghavi Hosseini, a former representative from Varamin in the Islamic Consultative Assembly, has spoken about his meetings with Iran‘s Supreme Leader, emphasizing the spiritual and political guidance received during these encounters. Naghavi Hosseini recalled his first meeting with the Supreme Leader in 1983 when the latter was President, noting his steadfastness, revolutionary spirit, and deep piety. He described the Leader as a true supporter of Imam Khomeini and a shining example of faith and hope for Iran’s future.
During his three terms as a Member of Parliament, Naghavi Hosseini had the opportunity to meet with the Supreme Leader twelve times. He recounted a significant meeting on June 11, 2008, at the beginning of the eighth parliamentary term. He described the atmosphere as simple yet grand, filled with a profound sense of spirituality. During this session, the Supreme Leader underscored the importance of spirituality and piety, viewing an Islamic society as a stepping stone towards the ultimate goal of humanity, as envisioned by prophets.
The former MP highlighted the Supreme Leader’s emphasis on the two primary duties of parliamentarians: legislation and oversight of law enforcement. The Leader offered a unique perspective on law, describing it as the “software for movement and governance.” Given the Islamic Republic of Iran’s novel approach to governance, Naghavi Hosseini noted the heightened importance of legislation. The Supreme Leader also outlined eight essential characteristics for a law: fitting, comprehensive, enduring, explicit, unambiguous, expert-reviewed, problem-solving, and attentive to people’s issues, a description Naghavi Hosseini considered exceptionally insightful.
Furthermore, during this meeting, the Supreme Leader stressed the necessity for independence in parliamentary representation, resistance to influence from powerful groups or individuals, maintaining a connection with the people, upholding integrity, avoiding extravagance, and prioritizing self-cultivation. He also advised that parliamentary oversight should not lead to conflict or tension with other branches of government.
Naghavi Hosseini also recounted a private meeting in May 2014, where he attended as the head of the parliamentary faction for educators, alongside other exemplary teachers meeting with the Supreme Leader. He described the Leader’s entrance as akin to the sunrise, and despite the awe he felt, he was moved to kiss the Supreme Leader’s wounded hand, an act that the Leader initially seemed reluctant to accept.
A particularly significant meeting, according to Naghavi Hosseini, occurred during the ninth parliamentary term amidst the sensitive JCPOA negotiations. He stated that the Supreme Leader was not opposed to negotiations but deeply distrusted the United States and its affiliates, viewing direct talks as futile and even detrimental. Naghavi Hosseini and his colleagues strongly opposed the JCPOA and, despite his role as spokesperson for the JCPOA commission, he maintained positions strictly aligned with the Supreme Leader’s views.
In this context, a private meeting was arranged with approximately thirty like-minded MPs. Naghavi Hosseini recalled the palpable excitement of the attendees to meet with the Supreme Leader. During the session, the concerns of the group were presented, particularly regarding whether their strong opposition to the JCPOA might diverge from the Supreme Leader’s actual stance. The Supreme Leader addressed these concerns, strongly reiterating his distrust of the United States and accurately predicting the outcome of the JCPOA. He also encouraged the representatives to stand firm in their convictions, even if in the minority, to articulate their rightful positions, and to defend them robustly.
At the conclusion of this meeting, the Supreme Leader presented each attendee with a ring, which Naghavi Hosseini described as a blessing in their lives.
