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Khamenei Plans to Delay Nuclear Negotiations
(Washington Institute for Near East Policy) Mehdi Khalaji - Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has been an outspoken critic of the nuclear deal since day one, heaping blame on its American and Iranian authors alike. He apparently plans to prevent President Rouhani from playing a meaningful political role for the remainder of his term. This stance suggests that Tehran will not engage in serious negotiations with the U.S. until Rouhani's successor takes office in August and forms a new nuclear team. Accordingly, U.S. officials should not put much stock in statements by Rouhani and Foreign Minister Zarif. Khamenei likely hopes that delaying negotiations or JCPOA compliance will increase Tehran's leverage, make the West more anxious about Iran's nuclear progress, and dissuade U.S. officials from trying to add other issues to the agenda. He seems to be patiently waiting for Rouhani's eventual successor to install a tougher negotiating team, while keeping U.S. negotiators on edge until they become less demanding and more willing to make hasty concessions.