Ahmadinejad retreats from dispute with judiciary chief

President says he’ll focus on Western sanctions instead

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad addresses the UN General Assembly in New York City in September 2012 (photo credit: AP/Jason DeCrow)
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad addresses the UN General Assembly in New York City in September 2012 (photo credit: AP/Jason DeCrow)

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran’s embattled president has backed down from a public dispute with his country’s judiciary.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says he will avoid political quarreling, focusing instead on alleviating pressures over Western sanctions.

Ahmadinejad’s retreat comes a day after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned government officials and politicians against going public with disputes.

Khamenei’s harsh criticism was seen as a direct strike at Ahmadinejad, who publicly criticized Iran’s judiciary chief last week for rejecting his request to visit Evin prison, where an aide is being held.

Ahmadinejad made the pledge to end the dispute in a letter to Khamenei, posted on president.ir late Thursday.

Khamenei, who has the final say on all state matters, said provoking political differences in public ahead of presidential elections, scheduled for June 14 next year, is “treason.”

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.

Most Popular
read more:
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.