Support of Ayatollah Khamenei's Representative in the IRGC for 'Nuclear Concerned' Individuals

The representative of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that the 'nuclear concerned' individuals regarding Iran's negotiations with the 1+5 countries should be understood, and there is nothing wrong with opposing these negotiations fundamentally. He also mentioned that if the West accepts what he calls 'Iran's rights', the Iranian parliament might ratify the Additional Protocol of the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Ali Saidi, in an interview with IRNA on Tuesday, December 3, emphasized: 'Those who have concerns should also be given their due; their concern is that we might give the enemy concessions that should not be given or that we might overlook the enemy's background.' He added: 'The enemy's background is facing serious problems, with $17 trillion in debt in the U.S.... or the concessions that China and Russia are willing to give us in these equations are not insignificant and must be considered.' The term 'nuclear concerned' is used in Iranian media for critics of the nuclear negotiations between Iran and the 1+5 countries. Since the beginning of the nuclear negotiations under President Rouhani, hardliners, especially the radical branch of the Steadfast Front, have severely criticized the performance of the negotiating team, including a strong attack on the team during the 'Red Line' conference on July 23. Previously, a similar conference titled 'We Are Concerned' was held on May 3, attended by several representatives from the Steadfast Front in parliament. Mr. Saidi further clarified: 'Concern does not mean they want to say something bad will happen; rather, they are calling for more vigilance.' He added: 'These issues should not be viewed negatively; our society is an open one, and the fact that some are fundamentally opposed to negotiations is not a problem.' Mr. Saidi also stated that the 'nuclear concerned' should not be disparaged but rather their words should be heard and their concerns understood. Since the beginning of the nuclear negotiations under President Hassan Rouhani, some radical political figures opposing the government have opposed the very holding of these negotiations. Saeed Qasemi, a commander from the Iran-Iraq war, told the Iranian negotiating team at the 'Red Line' conference on July 23 that 'all our dignity and honor goes with every smile you show at this table.' The representative of the Supreme Leader in the IRGC continued his remarks by saying: 'Our demands are reasonable and logical, and we have fully accepted the Agency's oversight. If they accept our rights, the parliament may also accept and ratify the protocol.' According to the Additional Protocol of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, which was signed during the presidency of Mohammad Khatami but was not ratified by the Islamic Consultative Assembly, inspectors from the Agency would be allowed to inspect Iran's nuclear facilities whenever they deem necessary. Mr. Saidi also mentioned in this interview that the Iranian negotiating team has adhered to the strategic principles set by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran. He described 'acceptance of the right to enrichment' and 'lifting all sanctions' as two demands of the Islamic Republic. On July 6, Ayatollah Khamenei identified 'enrichment capacity', 'research and development', and 'Fordow facilities' as three important issues in Iran's nuclear bargaining with the 1+5 group.