Iran rejects statements made by US official

Iran has firmly rejected recent statements made by a US administration official concerning the country's presidential election, labeling the remarks as "worthless" and "meddlesome." 

On Friday, Nasser Kanaani, the spokesman for Iran's Foreign Ministry, responded forcefully to comments by Abram Paley, the deputy special envoy for Iran at the US State Department. Paley had taken to his X social media account to accuse Iran of "suppressing election coverage" and asserted that the election was neither "free nor fair," among other allegations deemed false by Iranian authorities.

Kanaani criticized these comments, stating, "American authorities gain nothing from such worthless statements. The Iranian people will firmly respond to these interventionist remarks by participating effectively and enthusiastically in the polls, as they have done in the past."

He emphasized the significant role that the Iranian populace plays in shaping their political future, an aspect he described as an "obvious principle" that has been consistently demonstrated in practice.

He further asserted that the integrity and fairness of Iran's electoral processes have been validated in previous elections.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran and its election organizers view the people's vote as a trust and a fundamental right, which they are obligated to protect," Kanaani said.

He suggested that the American officials' understanding of this principle might be limited by what he described as their "totalitarian mentality."

Kanaani also took the opportunity to critique the state of American democracy, both domestically and internationally.

He highlighted the "bitter taste" of American democracy experienced by global nations, particularly pointing to the situation in the occupied territories.

"The outcome of American democracy and human rights there includes criminals known for occupation, racism, war, bloodshed, and terrorist acts," he remarked.

He continued by saying that if the US democratic system allowed it, American citizens would undoubtedly elect better leaders. 

Additionally, Kanaani condemned the U.S. treatment of pro-Palestine students and professors in American universities, citing it as clear evidence of Washington’s poor track record on human rights and freedom of expression. "The world is witnessing how discussions on human rights in America have turned into an empty slogan, marred by beatings, illegal arrests, and dismissals," he said.

In Iran, over 61 million people are eligible to vote, with the election headquarters reporting that voting took place at 58,640 polling stations, mainly located in schools and mosques. Early projections of the election results are anticipated by Saturday morning, with official results expected by Sunday.

The new administration, the 14th since the victory of the Islamic Revolution in 1979, is expected to assume power in late June or early July and will hold office for four years.