Arash Aramesh

Mehr News, Alef

Ali Larijani, the speaker of Iran’s parliament, said that despite President Obama’s promise for change, US policies have not changed. When asked about Iran’s position toward the United States, Mr. Larijani said, “Considering the past, Iran’s position towards the United States is very clear. We are interested in protecting Iran’s interest and do not want to see these interests harmed by US policies.”

Larijani said Obama’s actions were just ‘tactical changes’ and there was no “strategic change” in U.S. foreign policy. He added, “Real strategic policy changes by the United States must be implemented in Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Palestine. US policies have not changed a bit towards these countries.”

He asserted, “We are not responsible for breaking the ice between Iran and the US. We make decision according to our national interests.”

Ahmad Tavakkoli, a conservative MP, also attacked the possibility of talks between Iran and the US and said, “Negotiations with the United States have always been pointless or harmful.” The director of parliamentary Research Center said, “What has changed in the US? American imperialistic policies and their violent methods have not changed.”

Following the talks in Vienna, there were rumors in Iran that the U.S. and the Islamic Republic were going to engage in direct negotiations on a range of issues, including Iran’s nuclear dossiers. Last week, President Ahmadinejad said that the West has asked Iran to participate in talks to solve the world’s problems. Many observers viewed that as Iran’s willingness to help the US in Iraq and Afghanistan in return for an acceptable nuclear deal.

Ahmadinejad later added that the Vienna talks were only a test to see how honest the West would act towards Iran.