Iran Nuclear Watch: Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati Comes Out Against Big 6 Initiative

Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati delivers a sermon during Friday prayers in Tehran, October 7, 2005. The powerful Iranian cleric said on Friday a package of incentives offered by six major powers would never stop Iran making nuclear fuel.

ASSociated Press: Cleric urges Iran to reject nuclear deal

A top hard-line cleric on Friday came out against a Western incentive package aimed at persuading Iran to suspend uranium enrichment, reflecting conservative pressure on the government to reject the offer.

It was not immediately clear if Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati’s comments in any way represented the Iranian government. Jannati is the head of the powerful Guardian Council, a constitutional watchdog arbitrating between the parliament and the government. He is not considered a government official.

Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the final say in all state matters, has overruled hard-liners previously in the nuclear dispute.

“The package they have presented is a package (that is) good for them. It’s not good for Iran,” Jannati said in his Friday prayer sermon.

So, is this a NO Ahmadinejad? The Mullahs who pull your strings have spoken, No?

Sounds like it.

But, the United States knew Iran would react this way. Why?

Iran covets nuclear weapons and will not be deterred on a path to secure and manufacture them.

Jannati said Iran must continue enriching uranium.

“We have to maintain enrichment to the level of 3.5 to 5 percent. They have no choice but to accept it,” Jannati added. Uranium enriched to this level is used in nuclear reactors to produce electricity. It needs to be enriched to more than 90 percent for use in a warhead.

This will be unacceptable to the Big 6 and the deal fails. Sanctions next?

Probably unless Iran provokes a crisis which is likely.

Stay tuned……