Khatami Says He’ll Push for ‘Freedom and Justice’

President Mohammad Khatami promised to heed his supporters’ demands for “freedom and justice” after his landslide reelection victory, as his legions of backers awaited his next move to challenge Iran’s ruling hard-line Muslim clerics.

There were high expectations that Khatami was planning major shake-ups among his top economic and political advisors. The goal would be a more competent team that is less under the influence of the conservatives.

Meanwhile, Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, urged Khatami’s critics to “avoid any behavior that may damage national unity.”