Ex-Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has been absent from several public events recently, fueling speculation of his performing a silent protest against the electoral system after being barred from the recent parliamentary elections. 

Despite local media attributing his absence to a back condition, Rouhani’s selective appearances and recent criticisms of the government suggest another story. Last month, Rouhani, president from 2013-2021, openly criticized the Guardian Council. Appointed by Supreme Leader Khamenei, he accused the body of undermining democratic principles by disqualifying candidates with divergent political views after being barred from the March 1 Assembly of Experts elections.

Rouhani was present only at the memorial service for the late President Ebrahim Raisi, attended by the Supreme Leader, after his sudden death last month. However, his absence from other significant events, including the anniversary of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini's death, a pivotal occasion for loyalists, has not gone unnoticed.

Rouhani has also recently opposed the reinstatement of morality police under a new crackdown plan on hijab regulations which has seen mass arrests of women for refusing the compulsory hijab, with state-sanctioned violence once more on the streets of Iran.