Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf sharply criticized opponents of negotiations
By Bernie,
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf sharply criticized opponents of negotiations with the United States in a meeting with advisers, according to the London-based outlet Iran International. Ghalibaf, who led Iran's delegation in the first round of talks in Islamabad alongside Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, described former nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili and MP Amir-Hossein Sabeti as figures who "would destroy Iran" by opposing an agreement with Washington. He said the camp was using state television and mobilizing supporters to intensify opposition to a possible deal.
Ghalibaf also voiced concern about being removed from the speakership and about Araghchi being pushed out of his post, the report said. The Washington-based Institute for the Study of War said Ghalibaf appeared to be engaged in a "serious intra-regime debate" with Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Commander Major General Ahmad Vahidi and other senior officials opposed to talks. Iran International previously reported that Vahidi had attempted to insert Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, into the Islamabad delegation over the objections of Ghalibaf and Araghchi. The first round ended on April 12 without a deal, and it remains unclear whether a second round will take place.
Topics: Iran, Diplomacy
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