Bravo, Khamenei, bravo.
I’ve got to say — I’m actually incredibly impressed with Iran’s supreme leader. He certainly is media savvy, and like any mainstream media mogul, understands that timing is everything.
For those who don’t know, Khamenei runs the country. He is the Iranian head of state; the country’s highest ranking political and religious authority. His word is the final word.
His position is granted by Iran’s Constitution. Khamenei has the power to appoint the heads of posts in the military, in the civil government, and in the judiciary. He also has the power to declare war (formally, together with a two-thirds majority of the Majlis, Iran’s parliament).
I think you get the point — he’s a really powerful guy. A dictator, actually.
For these reasons, and for many more, we should listen closely to what Khamenei has to say — on Twitter, on blogs, or to the media. Understanding just how powerful Khamenei is can help to discern between President Rouhani’s fake smile and the truth.
On June 23, Khamenei issued a truly dramatic tweet — even for him. In it, he defined Tehran’s red lines as today’s nuclear talks deadline approaches. They include, but are not limited to: the continuation of R&D and construction; the immediate removal of sanctions; and the prohibition of inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency and verification.
I don’t know about you, but to me (and presumably to the P5 + 1) these demands should scream: Stay out!
And while I am impressed with the supreme leader, I am by no means surprised. In the past decade or so, Tehran has not permitted substantive access to any information, site, or individual sought out by U.N. inspectors. Of course, it has also not volunteered any of this information. But come on, did you really think it would?
Khamenei’s message is unmistakable — Iran has not changed its approach towards nuclear negotiations with the West since the crisis broke out in August 2002. Its strategy goes something like this — Step 1: seek immediate removal of violation penalties by giving in areas where they have already mastered the necessary capabilities. Step 2: push back in the areas where they still want to advance. Step 3: Maintain breakout capabilities, but behind closed doors, of course.
This approach can also be referred to as President Rouhani’s “School of Negotiations.” He formulated this strategy, implemented it from 2003 to 2005, and delivered on his promise to reinstate it upon election.
But back to the man of the hour — the last time Khamenei put 144 characters to use for something this dramatic, was when he explained to the world why Israel should be annihilated… and how to do it. At least we know where he stands on the issues of the day.
For the skeptics out there, I recommend you take a quick look at his regularly updated website. These days, his pearls of wisdom include not only the usual banter about an “honorable” nuclear agreement — code for, “We shall continue nuclear development” — but also the familiar reference to the United States as, “The Great Satan.” Khamenei is Iran’s boss. I think it’s time we listen to him — before it’s too late.
Yehuda Yaakov is Israel’s consul general to New England.