Rouhani first stated that being a “revolutionary” does not mean being a radical. Rather, it means being committed to justice. This assertion was a response to Khamenei’s speech in which he stated “I’m not a diplomat. I’m a revolutionary.”
The President also claimed that Imam Khomeini did not involve himself in elections. Again, this was aimed at Khamenei who interferes in all of Iran’s elections, such as the 2009 presidential election, either directly or through the Guardian Council.
In continuing with this, Rouhani said that Khomeini did not even interfere with governmental matters, which in essence means that the current Supreme Leader should also not intervene in matters of governance or politics.
Apparently Ahmadinejad taught Rouhani that it is possible to stand up to the Supreme Leader. The only difference is that unlike Ahmadinejad, Rouhani is diplomatic and tactful.