Iran president backs down in political clashes

In this Sept. 1, 2012 file photo, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad flashes a victory sign in Tehran, Iran. With the Iraq war over and Afghanistan winding down, Iran is the most likely place for a new U.S. military conflict. Despite unprecedented global sanctions, Iran’s nuclear program is advancing. The United States and other Western nations fear the Islamic republic is determined to develop nuclear weapons and fundamentally reshape the balance of power in the Middle East, while posing a grave threat to Israel. Iran insists its program is solely designed for peaceful energy and medical research purposes. AP

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

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says he will avoid political quarrelling, 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.”