Minister of Intelligence Defends Negotiators: Negotiations within the Framework Approved by the Leader

The Iranian Minister of Intelligence stated that reports on the 'latest developments' in Iran's nuclear negotiations with the 5+1 group are being sent to the heads of the three branches of the Islamic Republic, and these negotiations will continue 'within the frameworks' approved by the Supreme Leader. According to the state news agency IRNA, Mahmoud Alavi said on Thursday, June 3, 'We are in the loop of negotiations and regularly send the latest developments to the Leader and the heads of the three branches, and they are fully aware of the matters.' He added, 'Negotiations will continue within the frameworks that the Leader ultimately approves.' Alavi's comments come after the Supreme Leader stated on April 9 that the 'details' of the negotiations with the 5+1 group were not 'precise.' Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized at that time that he has not interfered and will not interfere in the 'details of the negotiations.' However, Abbas Araqchi, Iran's chief negotiator, announced on Tuesday evening, May 25, that a 'council' designated by the Supreme Leader and under the 'direct supervision' of President Hassan Rouhani provides 'instructions, red lines, and specific frameworks' to the Iranian nuclear negotiating team. In another part of his remarks, the Minister of Intelligence said, 'It is not a problem for voices opposing the 5+1 to be heard from within our country, but not against our own negotiators.' Meanwhile, according to the Mehr news agency, Ahmad Khatami, the interim Friday prayer leader of Tehran and a member of the Assembly of Experts, stated on Thursday that no one has 'the right to accuse the Iranian nuclear negotiating team of treason.' The Islamic Republic's Minister of Intelligence has criticized 'the performance of certain individuals and groups' that weaken the nuclear negotiating team in recent weeks. Following reports of a 'verbal altercation' between Mehdi Koochakzadeh, a representative from Tehran, and Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iran's Foreign Minister, at the end of a closed session of the parliament on Sunday, May 24, the Supreme Leader called for respectful treatment of ministers by parliament members without directly referencing the issue. Additionally, Sadeq Amoli Larijani, the head of the judiciary, and Mohammad Reza Bahonar, the deputy speaker of the Iranian parliament, criticized the 'insults' directed at the negotiating team and the labeling of this team as 'traitors' by critics, as well as the publication of the text of the closed parliamentary negotiations. Nevertheless, severe criticism of the Iranian nuclear negotiating team continues. For instance, on Wednesday, June 2, the state news agency IRNA reported that at the largest Mid-Sha'ban ceremony held at the Jamkaran Mosque in Qom, a four-page pamphlet against Iran's nuclear negotiations with the 5+1 countries was distributed by the student Basij of one of Tehran's universities. Prior to that, gatherings were held in Qom and Mashhad on June 1 and 3, featuring speeches by critics of the Iranian nuclear negotiating team. However, according to Hossein Ali Amiri, the deputy minister of the interior, an order has been issued by the minister of the interior stating that no 'permits' should be issued for holding 'nuclear gatherings.'