Mohammad Reza Aref
Iran
Islamic Iran Participation Front
Vice President of Iran
government
Mohammad Reza Aref is an Iranian engineer, academic and reformist politician who is the eighth and current first vice president of Iran since 2024, under President Masoud Pezeshkian; he previously served as the first vice-president from 2001 to 2005 under Mohammad Khatami. He is also currently member of the Expediency Discernment Council since 2002.
Standing...
Stories...
Aug 21, 2026
Center
The reformist government spokesman reacted with sarcasm to Iraqi parliament speaker's use of the false name for the Persian Gulf, criticizing past Iranian intervention in Iraq that enabled such insolence.
Pragmatists agree with Aref's critique, seeing Iran's costly regional interventions as counterproductive and now emboldening neighbors to disrespect Iranian territorial integrity.
Aug 21, 2026
Far Left
The executive vice president's critique of delayed legal processes and the need for budget reform highlights the internal struggle to implement modernization against entrenched interests.
Reformists support Aref's calls for accelerated implementation as a sign that the government is serious about addressing structural inefficiencies, but they worry about resistance from conservative factions.
Aug 6, 2026
Far Left
First Vice President Aref is overseeing the emergency energy crisis committee and budget talks.
Reformists are displeased with Aref's quiet, bureaucratic line, believing he should use his seniority to stop hardline attacks and prove that moderates have real power in the government.
Jul 29, 2026
Far Left
Aref calls for transparent elections and blames the Guardian Council for low turnout.
Reformists agree with his diagnosis but fear his call will be ignored by the Supreme Leader.
Jul 28, 2026
Far Left
Aref was denied permission to form a reformist election coalition, accused of 'sedition'.
Reformists consider Aref's marginalization as proof that any organized reformist activity is suppressed before it starts.
Jul 10, 2026
Far Left
First Vice President Aref approved an amendment to calculate special pay for government employees, adjusting the bonus calculation for those retiring this year.
Reformists see this as a positive step toward economic justice for workers, though it is overshadowed by the larger wartime economic crisis.
Jul 6, 2026
Lean Left
He reiterated commitment to the leader's directives and solving Iran's problems in article 10.
As first VP, his promise to address issues is reassuring; moderates hope for concrete reforms.
Jun 30, 2026
Lean Right
First Vice President calls for prioritizing cybersecurity to achieve full immunity against enemy attacks.
Conservatives support his emphasis on national resilience and protecting Iran from foreign cyber threats.
Jun 30, 2026
Lean Left
As First Vice President, he called for prioritizing cybersecurity to deter enemies from harming Iran via that route.
Moderates appreciate his focus on practical security measures but expect concrete actions beyond statements.
Jun 22, 2026
Far Left
First Vice President Aref called 'powerful diplomacy' and 'smart resistance' two wings of Iran's strategy.
Reformists see Aref's framing as a welcome signal of openness, but note that the Supreme Leader still holds ultimate authority over any detente.