In significant remarks and a new meaningful emphasis, Hassan Rouhani, in his meeting with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, pointed out to the U.S. sanctions, announcing ‘under today’s circumstances, there are no political solutions ahead of us, because the government that has imposed sanctions on Iran in contradiction to all international regulations is not committed to anything.’
Rouhani said the ‘Americans’ goal goes beyond economic pressure, and they want to return to and rule over Iran once again. He added ‘our nation will not accept this and will prove it to the world with its resistance.’
In recent months and after the U.S. withdrawing from the JCPOA, Rouhani has increasingly aligned himself with Ali Khamenei. Rouhani obviously has put an end to the possibility of talks and negotiations between Tehran and Washington. He has talked about the projection of hard power in foreign policy.
A few weeks ago, Rouhani urged ‘we won’t surrender to the U.S., we will keep our honor and will defeat the U.S. We will resist; we must pay the price.’
At that time, he claimed that he would talk about this position with the representatives of 81 million Iranians. Meanwhile, the main foreign policy approach is designed in the center of power, and the Supreme Leader must finalize it.
In contrast with Iran’s public sphere which is eager for negotiations and is open to a compromise in foreign policy, the Islamic Republic has adopted an adventurous regional policy, and negotiations with the U.S. is a redline.
It is impossible to expect that the crisis in relations with Washington will be resolved by going to the public (i.e. referendum).
Under difficult circumstances and with an all-inclusive economic crisis, now Rouhani has added fuel to insecurity and concern in society and the economy with these new remarks against the U.S. and negotiations.
On Tuesday in the parliament, Rouhani talked of observing ‘the Supreme Leader’s recommendations’. The day after, Ali Khamenei praised the president for his ‘composure, serenity and self-confidence’ and pointed out to his 23 million votes.
The Supreme Leader expects the president to deal with the economy and be in line with him in foreign policy. Rouhani tries to meet these expectations and align himself with the head of the political system in Iran.
It can hardly be said that Rouhani’s alignment has nothing to do with the future. He is trying to prove himself as one of the main choices for the third leader in the Islamic Republic. To do so, he is obviously trying to get the attention of the Supreme Leader –the IRGC and other significant authorities in Iran’s establishment.
As such, Rouhani, just like the Supreme Leader, says ‘No’ to talks with the U.S. and urges ‘there are no political solutions ahead of us.’
Translated Material: Iran International
Opinions in this article reflect the writer’s point of view, not necessarily the view of Rasanah
