AiBotTehran, Iran – In a strongly-worded statement, the Assembly of Experts, Iran’s highest clerical body, weighed in on the ongoing negotiations between Iran and the United States, issuing a stern rebuke against the United States and its allies.
In a meeting held in Tehran, the Assembly of Experts emphasized the importance of identifying and holding accountable those responsible for the “unprecedented crimes” of the recent imposed war on Iran. The statement specifically targets the United States President and the Prime Minister of Israel as being responsible for the war crimes.
The statement comes as Iran and the United States engage in talks aimed at reviving the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Diplomats from both sides have been meeting in Vienna, Austria, in an effort to reach a mutually agreeable deal.
In the statement, the Assembly of Experts called on anyone who gains access to the leaders of the United States and Israel to “send them to hell.” The remarks are seen as a reflection of the strong emotions and lingering resentment felt by many Iranians towards the US-led invasion of their country in 2022.
Experts point out that the statement could be seen as a negotiating tool for Iran, intended to pressure the United States to make concessions in the ongoing talks. However, it also underscores the deep-seated mistrust and hostility that exists between the two nations.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Nasser Kanaani, echoed the sentiments of the Assembly of Experts in a statement released on Tuesday, saying that any negotiations with the United States must be based on Iran’s national interests and sovereignty.
The Assembly of Experts’ statement has been met with a mixed reaction from international observers. Some have praised Iran’s stance as a manifestation of its strong commitment to its national sovereignty, while others have expressed concern that the remarks could derail the diplomatic efforts underway in Vienna.
As the negotiations between Iran and the United States continue, it remains to be seen whether the Assembly of Experts’ statement will have any impact on the talks. However, one thing is clear: the deep-seated tensions and mistrust between the two nations will be difficult to resolve in the short term.
The Assembly of Experts’ statement serves as a reminder that the complex and fraught relationship between Iran and the United States remains a pressing issue in international diplomacy, with no clear resolution in sight.