Iran's Khamenei responds to Zarif leak
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei defended former Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani after the uproar over a leaked audio recording by the foreign minister.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has finally responded to the leaked recording in which Iran’s foreign minister spoke candidly about the difficulties of managing the country’s foreign policy, which is complicated by military influence.
The audio, which was made for the sake of posterity, was not intended for public release. Since becoming public and being shared online, the Iranian and American pres have been speculating about the fallout, with some wondering if it will force Mohammad Javad Zarif’s resignation.
In the recording, Zarif appears to be critical of the influence of late Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani. Zarif was frustrated with a number of regional decisions, especially pertaining to Syria and other diplomatic efforts, complaining that Soleimani would not heed his advice. Soleimani was assassinated at a Baghdad airport by the United States under the previous administration.
Hard-line Tasnim News Agency's headline read, “Khamenei’s direct criticism of Zarif’s audio.” However, in the speech, Khamenei did not address Zarif directly and if anything, provided Zarif cover from hard-liners, some feel.
