LATEST: Tehran Friday Prayer Warns of “People Trying to Build Underground Network for Relations with US”

FRIDAY FEATURE

Analysis: Western Media’s Easy 4-Point Guide to Iranian Women — and How to Defy It

Iran and the 5+1 Powers (US, Britain, China, Russia, Germany, and France) have agreed a framework for further talks on a comprehensive nuclear agreement.

After three days of discussions in Vienna, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and the European Union’s Catherine Ashton said that talks between experts from both sides would take place in early March, followed by the next high-level plenary in Vienna on March 17.

Zarif also wrote on Facebook and told journalists that he and Ashton would meet monthly.

A “senior US administration official”, probably lead American negotiator Wendy Sherman, hailed the “path forward”.

A six-month interim nuclear deal was agreed in November and has been implemented from January 20. The comprehensive agreement, sought by January 2015, will seek a final resolution on Iran’s level of enrichment of uranium, the status of its nuclear facilities, and a full lifting of US-led sanctions on Tehran.


Tehran Friday Prayer Warns of “People Trying to Build Underground Network for Relations with US”

While accepting the nuclear talks, provided Iran’s red lines were respected, the Tehran Friday Prayer had a warning for those considering a better US-Iran relationship.

A number of people are trying to build an underground network for relations with America,” Ayatollah Jannati said. “Every time there is an opportunity, a number of America-worshipers with America-friendship…deep within their existence will say something.”

It was not clear whether Jannati was adding to the denunciation of those still imprisoned or under strict house arrest over protests after the disputed 2009 Presidential election — such as opposition leaders Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi — or whether he was aiming at those inside the regime such as former President Hashemi Rafsanjani, who has advocated engagement with Washington.

Jannati, the head of the Guardian Council, continued:

The people accept neither America nor you. Why are you separating your path from the people? What you are doing is futile and will not reach results. However…the people are not with you, and as long as the people do not want it, nothing will take place.

Tehran Friday Prayer: No Discussion of Missiles in Nuclear Talks

Iran has used the Tehran Friday Prayer to reiterate that talks about a comprehensive nuclear deal must not consider the status of Iranian missiles.

Ayatollah Jannati, the head of the Guardian Council, addressed Washington in the Prayer sermon:

(Negotiations) must respect the red lines….One of these red lines is that the opposing party in the nuclear talks should not interfere with other issues.

We must have defensive power. Should we reduce our defensive power for you to invade us anytime you desire?

Assessing Iran’s Military Support for Assad

Reuters reports on Iran’s military support for the Assad regime, using an assessment and quote from EA WorldView:

The evidence indicates hundreds of Iranian advisers and trainers were inside Syria at any one time.

“They are trying to work with the Syrians in ramping up the number of (Syrian) troops they can put in the field and making sure those guys can hold the line as well as carry out certain offensive operations.”

(Cross posted from Syria Daily: Insurgents Renew Attack on Aleppo Central Prison)

MP Ali Motahari Summoned By Judiciary For Criticising Political Prisoners Sentences

MP Ali Motahari was summoned by the Judiciary on Wednesday for his critical views of the harsh sentencing of political prisoners and his questioning of the independence of the judiciary in its decision-making process.

Last December, the Tehran Prosecutor announced that Motahari is facing charges for some of his statements in Parliament.

Rouhani Endorses Supreme Leader’s “Economic Resistance”

President Rouhani endorsed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s approval of “economic resistance” by referring to it as “the best light” to lead to economic growth.

He added that the administration will take immediate action and “bring the efforts and creativity of all opinion-holders to the field by strengthening jihadi culture.”

Rouhani also ordered the Central Bank to design monetary, currency and credit policies in line with “economic resistance” policies and place them on the agenda of the Money and Credit Council. Other government departments will collaborate and encourage foreign direct investment and increase production and exports.

(Hat tip to IranTracker)

UK and Iran Agree to Re-Establish Direct Diplomatic Relations

The UK and Iran have confirmed arrangements to restore direct diplomatic contacts through non-resident chargé d’affaires rather than via third-country intermediaries.

The two countries have not restored full diplomatic status though and their respective embassies in London and Tehran remain closed. However, the flag of the Islamic republic of Iran rose over the Iranian embassy in London as the mission is giving a limited consular service.