The Supreme Leader’s declaration of “heroic flexibility”, made in a speech to the Revolutionary Guards last week, appears to grant political space to President Rouhani to pursue his “engagement”. That includes discussions with the West on the nuclear issue and attempts to put Iran at the top table for talks on the Syrian crisis.

But is that all? Ayatollah Khamenei’s office helps out with an info-graphic (above) setting out Dos and Don’ts:

DO:

Pay attention to ideals
Strengthen the system’s internal structure
Make correct and logical diplomatic moves while maintaining the Revolution’s principles
Take active and creative diplomatic measures
Progress and fulfil the goals of the Revolution and the Islamic System
Preserve a strong position
Identify the enemy’s attack waves

DON’T:

Forget the enemy and the fight
Attempt to please the Global Arrogance
Show humility against international powers, especially the US
Neglect the warm relationships with ambassadors and intellectuals of Islamic countries
Separate from Islamic groups
Crossing red lines
Show misplaced extremism

But is this clear enough for the Revolutionary Guards, who have been told to stay out of politics as Rouhani pursues his engagement?

This is how Guards Deputy Commander Hossein Salami interprets the concept:

The meaning of heroic flexibility does not categorically mean retreating from our fundamental, national security, and essential lines, and these rights are not something that can be exchanged for any benefits. Our fundamental frameworks are stable and inflexible and our ideal goals will never degrade.

For example, possessing peaceful nuclear energy based on criterion is preserved for us and this right is unchangeable and there is no flexibility in it. But in this framework, any political flexibility as a tactic is acceptable because we do not want to create a deadlock in resolving political issues.

That seems a long, convoluted way of saying “OK”. But others in the military seem to be resistant.

The deputy head of armed forces, General Masoud Jazayeri, is one sceptic: “America has shown in action that it will not let go of its arrogant and dominance-seeking character. [We] must view America with a pessimistic look and any optimism in confronting America’s suggestions and propaganda in Iran’s broader policies will be rejected.”

And I am not sure that Mohammad Reza Naqdi, commander of the Basij militia, has grasped the Supreme Leader’s point at all

The Supreme Leader’s “heroic flexibility” has been linked to Ayatollah Khamenei’s scholarship on Imam Hassan, the grandchild of the Prophet Mohammed. In the 7th century, he negotiated a peace treaty with those opposed to the principle that only descendants of the Prophet could rule over Muslims — a compromise for the greater good of the religion, rather than a defeat.

Naqdi does not seem to like the example:

Unfortunately, today some individuals preach Imam Hassan’s peace against a nation that has demonstrated its perseverance in the most difficult situations and has defended the religion and the country with its entire being. [This] stems from ignorance and will receive a slap in the mouth from the nation if they repeat it….

God Almighty will not abandon a nation that does not back down from defending Islam for a single moment.

(Hat tip to Iran Tracker for the sources)