The story: A televised interview with the daughter of conservative presidential candidate Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf has sparked significant controversy in Iran. Maryam Qalibaf has particularly triggered a backlash after addressing a contentious 2022 trip to neighboring Turkey. The trip ignited a major scandal as it allegedly involved the purchase of a large amount of goods for a baby shower.

More broadly, the backlash is centered on alleged corruption and freedom of expression—especially given the recent detentions of figures who unearthed...