Persian language publication Javan Online is saying that Mahmoud Ahmadinejad may soon be stepping down from power at the behest of Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.The cause of Ahmadinejad's reported dismissal is his history of forcing the resignations of cabinet ministers. In April, he forced out Intelligence Minister Heydar Moslehi after the two disputed who would head the intelligence ministry's bureau of planning and budget.
To the surprise of many in Iran, Khamenei flexed his political muscle. He not only reinstated Moslehi to his job but castigated Ahmadinejad, claiming that "expediency is being ignored."
The reprimand is not sitting well with Ahmadinejad, who on Wednesday cancelled a trip to the holy city of Qum, possibly an act of defiance aimed at the Ayatollah. He also refused to sit in on a government meeting where the newly reinstated Moslehi was present.
| BBC analysis: Ahmadinejad vs. Khamenei |