LATEST: Parliament Outlet Denies Larijani Comments on “Surplus” 20% Uranium
SUMMARY: The Supreme Leader set aside diplomacy and engagement in a speech on Wednesday, preferring to tell university students of Iran’s victory over the “West”:
The victory of the Islamic Revolution means the emergence of a new power in Western Asia that is able to free this sensitive and rich region from Western domination, weaken their dominance, and challenge the Western world scientifically and technologically.
After the passing of three decades, the nightmare of the Westerners and the Americans has turned into reality and a great regional and national power has emerged that various political, economic, security and propaganda pressures cannot overthrow. This great power can have a great effect on regional nations and give identity to Muslims.
In 2011, Ayatollah Khamenei converted uprisings throughout the Middle East and North Africa into an “Islamic Awakening” modelled on Iran’s 1979 Revolution. His vision of Iranian leadership of the new Governments in the region has not quite worked out, but he updated the theme on Wednesday:
These events [Arab Spring] were a historical turn that the region is currently passing through. Its destiny has not been determined yet and the Westerners are concerned about these events.
These important events are due to the blessing of the Islamic Revolution that, from the beginning, brought the good tiding of a nationalist, deep, faithful, stable, talent and growing power.
As for immediate significance, Khamenei’s language reinforces the line that President Rouhani’s engagement of the US and other powers, notably in nuclear talks, must be based on Iranian strength and ensuring that Tehran’s core demands are met.
Parliament Outlet Denies Larijani Comments on “Surplus” 20% Uranium
Parliament’s official website has denied Wednesday’s comments by Speaker Ali Larijani that Iran is willing to negotiate over its surplus of 20% enriched uranium.
Larijani told the Associated Press in Geneva, “We have some surplus — you know, the amount that we don’t need. But over that, we can have some discussions.”
The Islamic Consultative Assembly News Agency, the outlet of Parliament, clarified:
In parts of the interview with Dr. Ali Larijani and the Associated Press, it was emphasized that Iran has more enriched uranium than it needs, and plans to use it in bargaining in the negotiations the following week in Geneva. This is contrary to reality and baseless.
Rouhani Chief of Staff: Internal Restrictions More Damaging Than Sanctions
The Chief of Staff to President Rouhani, Mohammad Nahavandian, has said that “internal sanctions” have affected the economy more than “external sanctions”.
Internal sanctions are the red-tape regulations and obstacles of uncoordinated policymaking. Of course, external sanctions, which have been placed against the system unjustly and unjustifiably, must be removed. The administration has taken serious measures in these two regards.
