Iran: business as usual without UN ambassador
The US rejection of Iran’s nominee for permanent representative to the United Nations has been a headache for Iran, but has not upset negotiations on a comprehensive nuclear agreement.
TEHRAN, Iran — Hamid Aboutalebi will neither assume his post as Iran’s new UN Ambassador nor be replaced, at least anytime soon. The US decision not to grant him a visa will not force Iran to name another diplomat to head its mission at the international body, though it was believed here in Tehran before the row — at least among the Reformist camp and those around President Hassan Rouhani — that whoever holds this senior post will not only serve as Tehran’s representative at the United Nations but also as its envoy to Washington.
Despite the importance of the case, both US and Iranian officials seem to have the intention to let the row pass and concentrate on more sensitive issues, mainly the talks on the Iranian nuclear program and possible contact in regard to Syria, Afghanistan and other hot spots in the region.
A senior Iranian official suggested that Aboutalebi will continue to be Iran’s choice despite the US refusal. He told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity that Tehran does not see any need to amend its choice. “Washington showed once again its unwillingness to change its mentality. This was a test, a real test of intentions, and they failed,” the official said.
Since the problem started, many were looking to observe Rouhani's reaction.
