The Supreme Leader said on Monday morning that he is not optimistic about nuclear talks with the US and other countries, but he still backs the Rouhani Government in the negotiations.
Some assume nuclear talks wud solve problems,but as I said b4 I'm not positive abt negotation,it won't get anywhere but I'm not against it. 12:17 PM - 17 Feb 2014
What the Foreign Ministry has started will be continued, Iran will not violate its commitments but I am saying now it will not get anywhere. 12:26 PM - 17 Feb 2014
Ayatollah Khamenei spoke as Irans nuclear negotiating team, led by Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif (pictured), arrived in Vienna for comprehensive nuclear talks with the 5+1 Powers.
Zarif will meet the lead 5+1 negotiator, European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, on Monday night. Formal talks with the 5+1?s representatives, including US Undersecretary of State Wendy Sherman, will begin on Tuesday.
Iran and the 5+1 Powers signed an interim nuclear deal in November in Geneva. The six-month agreement, covering issues such as Tehrans enrichment of uranium and a start to the easing of US-led sanctions, came into effect on January 20.
The two sides have set a target of January 2015 for the comprehensive settlement, which will cover matters such as the number of Irans advanced nuclear centrifuges and the status of the Arak heavy-water reactor as well as the full lifting of the sanctions.
The Rouhani Government has faced criticism within Iran of the nuclear discussions and an escalation of anti-US rhetoric by the Revolutionary Guards and other factions. So far, the Supreme Leader has backed the President, in return for the Governments pull-back from efforts for political and cultural openness.
However, Khamenei used Mondays address to deride the Americans:
Some should give up trying to make USs face up and paint it as a friendly and humanitarian government. Even if they try, it wont work. 12:07 PM - 17 Feb 2014
Political Activist Barjasteh Imprisoned
Political activist Kazem Barjasteh, a member of Mir Hossein Mousavis campaign team in the disputed 2009 Presidential election, has been arrested to serve a five-year prison sentence..
Barjasteh, who was detained during Ashura protests in December 2009, was taken to Evin Prison on Thursday as he returned to Iran.