On Saturday, Iran's Supreme Leader (Ayatollah Khamenei) met with the President and his cabinet members. Khamenei spoke about Ahmadinejad's administration with great admiration and defended the actions and policies of the current government. In the face of economic uncertainty in Iran , particularly concerning inflation , Ahmadinejad has lost a significant amount of popularity. Regardless, the institutions of the supreme leader and the president now appear united, particularly ideologically. Nazila Fathi has written in the article, "Chief Cleric of Iran Defends President," that they "share the same views over major policies and ideological values." The Leader provided three characteristics for the current administration: 1) commitment (being serious in rendering services to the nation; 2) adhering to the slogans and principles of Imam Khomeini and the Revolution; and 3) forming close bonds with the public. He said that some people are spitefully denigrating the current administration. You can read more details of what the Supreme Leader said here. In response, the President visited Qom on Monday and apparently returned the favor by saying that “religious culture should be promoted in the country.” Moreover, in the spirit of the Revolution, he said, “It is time to promote and preach pure Islam to people around the globe as suggested by the late Imam Khomeini.”
