Past Political Strategies Have Reached an Absolute Dead End

Shaikh-ul-Islam Mawlana Abdolhamid, addressing worshippers at the Friday prayer in Zahedan (August 1st, 2025), identified weak administrative leadership and restrictive vetting filters as the principal causes behind the country’s current crises. Emphasizing that “previous policies have reached a definitive impasse,” he urged state officials to prioritize the public’s well-being and to employ “wisdom and prudent governance” in resolving the nation’s pressing challenges.

The Public Is Grappling With Electricity and Water Outages and a Multitude of Other Difficulties—national leaders must act decisively
According to the official website of the Sunni Friday Prayer Imam of Zahedan, Mawlana Abdolhamid remarked:
“We are living in a situation where, regrettably, all avenues appear blocked and the populace is deeply distressed—from persistent electricity and water shortages to severe economic, livelihood, and healthcare challenges.”
He continued:
“In this intense heat, people across Iran are enduring severe shortages of basic utilities alongside other hardships. Their distress and suffering must be acknowledged. It was incumbent upon the authorities to have already sought solutions to these afflictions.”

Ineffective Officials Have Infiltrated the Structure of State Institutions / Parliament Lacks Adequate Representatives to Advocate for the People
Mawlana Abdolhamid further stated:
“Tragically, these crises were never adequately diagnosed or addressed in their early stages. They are the consequence of institutional mismanagement. Any nation governed ineffectively will inevitably encounter deadlock and collapse. The current predicament is rooted in leadership failures at the highest levels and the exclusionary vetting of candidates—particularly through the stringent mechanisms imposed by the Guardian Council.”
He explained:
“Parliamentary hopefuls are subjected to rigid filtering by the Guardian Council. Unfortunately, very few candidates capable of articulating the people’s concerns and advocating for their rights are approved. I am not suggesting that such individuals are entirely absent from the legislature, but a significant proportion of parliamentarians have passed these filters either through personal endorsements or binding commitments. Consequently, many are unable to defend the public interest or hold high-ranking officials accountable.
Past presidents have also lacked the necessary competence, and many capable and qualified individuals, fearing disqualification, refrained from running for office. Others who did step forward were disqualified. The outcome has been the entrenchment of ineffective leadership within the structures of governance, leaving the nation beset by ongoing crises.”

The Iranian People See No Bright Future Ahead
Mawlana Abdolhamid noted:
“The policies pursued over the past years have reached a complete and undeniable dead end. It is most unfortunate that, during all this time, no substantial reform was undertaken. The call for change has long been the clear and consistent demand of the overwhelming majority of the Iranian people. A thorough review of past policies and genuine efforts to win public satisfaction are vital for the long-term viability of the state and system. Sadly, no tangible signs of change have emerged, and today, the people of Iran see no hopeful or promising future before them.”

Extremist Voices Within the Country Beat the Drums of War / Officials Must Exercise Prudence and Serve the Nation
The Friday Imam continued:
“Despite the multitude of crises afflicting both the nation and its citizens, many radical voices within the country continue to beat the drums of war. Every war is inherently destructive, but modern warfare—marked by intelligence technologies, advanced weaponry, and highly destructive arms—is far more catastrophic.”
He added:
“War brings devastation to both sides. As the President himself admitted, ‘We both struck and were struck.’ Therefore, at a time when the country is struggling with numerous challenges, it is unwise and harmful to provoke conflict through incendiary rhetoric and to risk another war being imposed upon the nation.”
He stressed:
“Officials must act with discernment and prioritize the welfare of the people. Some continue to chant outdated slogans such as the call for the destruction of Israel. As a citizen of this country, I must assert that the general public does not support such extreme rhetoric. Unfortunately, radical elements have monopolized the microphones and platforms, expressing views that are neither representative nor constructive. They should focus on national interest and avoid statements that might drag the country into further conflict. The discourse must shift toward de-escalation and peace.”

Diplomatic Negotiations Must Proceed with Prudence and Aim to Prevent War
Mawlana Abdolhamid concluded:
“In any diplomatic engagement, thoughtful and strategic planning must be employed to avert war. The rights and interests of the Iranian people must be fully safeguarded, but this should be achieved through wisdom, insight, and farsightedness—so that our nation is neither blamed by the international community nor gives adversaries any pretext for aggression.”

“They Intend to Restrict Public Freedoms Through Legislation”
In continuation of his remarks, the Friday Imam of Zahedan referred to the government’s recent bill titled “Combating the Spread of False News Content”, stating:
“There are efforts underway to pass legislation in Parliament that aims to curtail the freedoms of the people. Through such laws, pressure is being placed on the populace—this is not just.”
He emphasized:
“Let the people—who are hungry, thirsty, and left in darkness—speak and weep. When they have nothing to eat, at least grant them the right to cry.”

“Had the Advice of Well-Wishers Been Heeded in the Past, the Current Situation of Both Officials And the People Would Have Been Far Better”
Mawlana Abdolhamid remarked:
“We are sincere well-wishers for you, for the nation, and for this country. We believe that had you listened to and accepted the counsel of sincere voices in the past, today the condition of both the officials and the nation would have been much improved. When the people are well, those in leadership and administration will also enjoy stability. But if the people’s situation is dire, it will inevitably result in complications for you—the authorities who manage the country’s affairs.”

“Israeli Extremists Are Plotting to Erase Palestine—This Ideology Is Harmful to the Jewish People Themselves”
Turning to developments in Gaza and Palestine, Mawlana Abdolhamid stated:
“Today, Israeli extremists are planning to erase the Palestinian people and annex the West Bank and other parts of Palestinian land to Israel. This is a deeply flawed and radical ideology.”
He continued:
“Unfortunately, extremists have gained positions of power within the Israeli government and are actively pursuing the eradication of the Palestinians. However, this mindset is ultimately detrimental to Israel and to the Jewish people themselves.”

“Palestinians Must Also Avoid Extremist Rhetoric—Radicalism Harms Everyone”
The Friday Imam of Zahedan added:
“Palestinians too must refrain from radical rhetoric and avoid calling for the destruction of Israel. Others should not promote such slogans either. By what means do you intend to achieve such a goal? Even if you had the ability, advocating such an objective would not be wise.
Extremism harms all sides. Jihadi and resistance groups should refrain from such discourse and instead focus on asserting the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. Palestinians are human beings, and they deserve to attain their full human rights and exercise sovereignty over their land and destiny.”

“The Proposal for an Independent Palestinian State Is the best Available Option—Islamic and Non-Islamic Governments Should Support It”
Welcoming the recent proposal by several European countries calling for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, Mawlana Abdolhamid said:
“The newly proposed initiative—endorsed by many countries—advocating for the Palestinian people to have an independent state and government, is a commendable plan and currently the most viable. It has opened a window of hope for Palestinians to attain their rightful entitlements.”
He continued:
“We hope that all Islamic and non-Islamic governments will support this proposal and recognize the State of Palestine—just as many European and Islamic nations have already declared their support.”

“Preserving Provincial Security Is of Paramount Importance / All Must Avoid Provocative Words and Actions”
In the closing segment of his sermon, Mawlana Abdolhamid underscored the critical importance of maintaining security in the province, stating:
“Provincial security is of utmost significance and must be safeguarded. This can only be achieved through restraint and responsibility from all parties and groups. Both government officials and all others must refrain from any inflammatory remarks or actions that may compromise peace and security.”