Quotes
This reckless language is like giving Trump a free pass to act against Iran. It is not resistance - it is self-sabotage.”
A reformist commentator wrote in the daily Shargh
We support justice through legitimate international means, not threats that harm our credibility. The pen should defend national interests, not endanger them.”
In a social media post, Mohajerani statedThe Islamic Republic’s stance is clear: Soleimani's case must be pursued legally. Publishing threats damages the country's standing and gives our enemies ammunition.”
The culture ministry stated in a statementA few bullets are going to be fired into that empty skull of his and he'll be drinking from the chalice of a cursed death... He makes threats and then backs down! The result? The situation in America gets worse by the day. Just yesterday, it was announced that his actions have caused $3 trillion in damage to the US economy."
Kayhan newspaper wrote
Kayhan, which has been a key voice for hardliners for decades, has always been critical of diplomacy and engagement with the West. And this satire piece is no exception to that trend,
said Negar Mortazavi, Senior Fellow at the Center for International PolicyThere are many forces against diplomacy, both in Washington and Tehran and also across the region. And they are trying to prevent diplomacy and sabotage negotiations. This satire piece is just one example of how anti-diplomacy forces try to poison the possibility and the process of these very sensitive talks."
Negar Mortazavi, Senior Fellow at the Center for International Policy and host of The Iran Podcast told NewsweekIndirect talks offer a chance to evaluate Washington's seriousness about a political solution with Iran."
Unnamed Iranian Official told ReutersSuch an act will have severe consequences for them,
the official stated
They wanted to use intermediators. I don't think that's necessarily true anymore. I think they're concerned; I think they feel vulnerable."
President Donald Trump said