Website Close To Rouhani Reports Quarrel, Sulking At Government Meeting

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Iranian First Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri (L) attend a cabinet meeting in Tehran, June 19, 2019

A news website close to Iran's President Hassan Rouhani has reported that he has had a loud argument with his vice-president Es'haq Jahangiri during a meeting on Saturday, June 22.

According to Entekhab, Jahangiri was subsequently leaving the meeting in protest to Rouhani's harsh words, but Majles Speaker Ali Larijani brought him back to the meeting.

Rouhani has reportedly accused Jahangiri and other reformists of trying to unseat his administration. Beyond this, it is not clear what the exact reason for the quarrel was.

However, Entekhab reported that Jahangiri did not show up in his office on Sunday and several cabinet ministers, including Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif went to his home to encourage him to go to work.

Other media outlets close to Rouhani have also reported the quarrel, but a few of them have quoted an un-named adviser to Jahangiri as having said that he went to work later on Sunday, but there is no independent confirmation for that.

Earlier reports said Jahangiri had resigned his post more than once over disagreements with Rouhani's Chief of Staff Mahmoud Vaezi.

Later on Sunday, Entekhab cited a tweet by Presidential Adviser Hesamoddin Ashna, who, according to Entekhab has confirmed the report about the quarrel between the two top officials.

Ashna tweeted that there are disagreements among top officials but there is no room in their meetings for strong words or sulking.

The hashtag he used under this tweet is also revealing: "Disagreement is not bad."