In his latest remarks, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio identified “internal divisions” in Iran’s power structure as one of the most important obstacles to reaching an agreement between Tehran and Washington.
Rubio emphasized in an “interview with Fox News” on May 28 that differences of opinion among different factions in Iran’s government are seriously limiting the scope of negotiations. He said that Iranian negotiators often disagree with other factions in the government, which complicates the process.
Referring to what he called “deep divisions” within Iran, the US Secretary of State stated: “The best way to understand Iran is to say that there is a political class. Some of these people, while being strict, understand the need to run the country and the economy, but others act entirely on ideological beliefs.”
Rubio added that, according to him, the currents that move based on ideological views, including the Leader of the Islamic Republic and institutions close to him, have a more decisive role in decision-making. According to him, in contrast, officials such as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the President, and the Speaker of the Parliament, although they have a strict approach, pay attention to the requirements of governing the country and providing for the livelihood of the people.
He emphasized that this duality has created constant tension in the Iranian power structure and makes the decision-making process difficult. Rubio also said: “American negotiators are not only negotiating with the Iranian side, but the Iranian sides themselves must reach an agreement internally on what they can accept or offer.”
The US Secretary of State concluded by pointing out that, in his opinion, ultimately the currents that have a more ideological approach have the upper hand in the Iranian power structure, and this is one of the main obstacles to an agreement.
Source: iranwire
