INTV, 19 Oct 2013 – Iran’s foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif is facing an internal challenge with extremist factions opposing Rouhani’s government and attempts to establish relations with the West.
They cannot forgo any diplomatic effort with Washington, be it for nuclear negotiations or anything further beyond. They also maintain their dominance and influence on the direction of the nuclear program through the Revolutionary Guards, the only true powerful entity in Iran.
Without the clear support of this entity, the West and its allies may increasingly doubt Rouhani actually has the ability to lessen the fear of a nuclear Iran.
Iran expert Scott Lucas in England’s Birmingham University said extremists in Iran are not silent partners that will allow Rouhani take any action. The IRGC has never been a spectator in Iran.
It is still not clear if the IRGC essentially agrees with the approaching request of increasing inspections on nuclear and other related sites. Rouhani’s effort to establish relations with the United States has raised explicit criticism from the IRGC and its widespread network, including the Basij paramilitary force.
Even the smallest signal towards the US by Iran sparks a vast amount of complexity. The IRGC is naturally concerned about anything related to its influence in military or economic affairs.
Iran’s immediate goal is to deal with concerns regarding its nuclear program, to in return have economic sanctions lifted… Iran’s economy is suffocating due to the sanctions that have blocked critical oil exports and the use of the global banking network. However, any shaking such as the West’s demand to impose snap inspections, may ignite a barrage of anger from Iran’s extremists. This might actually force Khamenei to stop its support of Rouhani to end the dispute with Washington.
Senior IRGC officer Massoud Jazaeri said the ‘Death to America’ committee will be established to organize next month’s gathering and have the slogan ‘Death to America’ chanted louder than before.