Rouhani seeks support in Qom

TEHRAN: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, as decision time looms for a nuclear deal with world powers, sought on Wednesday to win the support of the religious community at the “backbone” of the Islamic republic.
“For the government and the people of Iran, Qom is not a city, but the symbol of religious life,” Rouhani, who faces criticism on the home front, said in a speech in the holy city of Qom.
At the heart of the faith in Iran, Qom’s seminary hosts about 80,000 religious students, some from abroad.
“I want to make clear that the government needs Qom” with its clergy forming the “backbone” of Iran, he said, stressing the seminary’s independence would “never be compromised under the banner of a policy, a party or faction.”
Rouhani, himself a middle-ranking clergy, is often criticised by ultraconservatives over his cultural and political openness, as well as being accused of making too many concessions in nuclear talks with world powers.
The timing of his Qom visit, as nuclear negotiations enter the final stage, “can be seen as an effort to gain the support of religious leaders for a possible agreement”, reformist daily Shargh said.
It said Rouhani, a reputed moderate, “knows that having the consent of religious leaders from Qom can help him push forward his policies and keep his election promises”.