PHOTO: Supreme Leader greets Revolutionary Guards commanders on Wednesday
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Addressing Revolutionary Guards commanders on Wednesday, Iran’s Supreme Leader put out his standard tough talk about the Islamic Republic facing its foes.
Ayatollah Khamenei did not say much about the July 14 nuclear deal with the 5+1 Powers, which is still going through the process of approval in Tehran. Instead, he spokes about threats to Iran in the region and at home:
The enemy, seeking delusionally to end the Revolution, is thinking about [gaining] influence, particularly political-cultural influence. Knowing the enemies’ conspiracies, strengthening revolutionary spirit and unhindered movement towards goals will foil this objective.
Enemy’s infiltration today is a great threat to Iran. Economic, security infiltration is less vital than mental, cultural & political ones.
— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) September 16, 2015
The Supreme Leader has regularly denounced the US, claiming that it is trying to stir up “sedition” — the regime’s term for mass protests after the disputed 2009 Presidential election — inside Iran. He has blamed Washington and Israel for instability and support of “terrorism” across the Middle East.
He continued on Wednesday:
The Americans’ slogan of ‘establishing democracy’ in the region has now transformed to one of their main problems and Achilles heels. Today with America’s support and aid, the most dictatorial regimes in the region continue their crimes.
However, amid a growing political battle within the regime, Khamenei’s focus appeared to be on the domestic situation:
Contrary to the imaginations of foreign think tanks, which some inside also repeat, the Revolution will not end. Its transformation to the ‘Islamic Republic’ that they have in mind is not possible.
The main goal of the enemies is the Iranian nation setting aside its revolutionary thought so it loses its power and is swallowed and fades away in the plan of some bullying countries that call themselves the global community.
Enemies promise that #Iran will be totally different in 10 years; we must not allow such evil prospects and thoughts shape in enemy’s mind.
— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) September 16, 2015
The head of the Guards, General Mohammad Ali Jafari, and the head of the elite Qods Force, Qassem Soleimani, reinforced Khamenei’s message. Jafari declared:
We will guard all of the Islamic Revolution’s principles, values and achievements. We will never permit opposition to this divine path to facilitate the enemies’ influence.
IAEA Ends 2-Day Discussions in Iran Over Implementation of Nuclear Deal
A team from the International Atomic Energy Agency has completed two days of talks in Iran over implementation of the July 14 nuclear deal.
Iran’s envoy to the IAEA, Reza Najafi, said the meetings discussed Iran’s report on August 15 and the IAEA’s questions on September 8 over “certain ambiguities” in the explanations.
Najafi maintained that all issues will be resolved by October 15.
The IAEA has projected that its verification of Iranian compliance with the terms of the deal, permitting the lifting or suspension of sanctions, will occur about December 15.
Vario Ranta, the IAEA’s Deputy Director General for Safeguards, led the team in Iran. He said expert meetings will continue in late September.
