INTV, 30 Sep 2013 – Revolutionary Guards chief Mohammad Ali Jafari used harsh rhetoric against Rouhani for his phone conversation with US President Barack Obama.
“Rouhani should have refused to speak with him on the phone and should have waited for concrete measures by the US,” Jafari said.
Jafari demanded that Washington respond “Rouhani’s goodwill in New York” by lifting all sanctions, releasing all the regime’s frozen assets in the US, ending its enmity with the regime and recognizing the mullahs’ nuclear programs.
Hajizadeh, commander of the IRGC Air Force, in strong remarks against Rouhani published in the IRGC’s official website, said, “America’s enmity against the establishment cannot be forgotten with a mere phone call and a smile.”
Agence France Presse reported it was the first public criticism by a senior Iranian official of Friday’s phone call between Rouhani and Obama.
AFP added the IRGC’s criticism towards Rouhani comes after both Rouhani and Khamenei in their recent speeches for IRGC members called on the force to stay out of politics. On September 17th Khamenei told the IRGC it is unnecessary for them to enter political matters, and a day before that Rouhani had asked the IRGC to remain above political tendencies.
AFP reminded that hardline opponents threw a shoe at Rouhani upon his return to Tehran.