In unprecedented remarks, the Iranian regime’s Foreign Minister Javad Zarif told the state-run daily Entekhab on September 1, 2019: “Commander Soleimani and I never felt we have any differences. We have been working together closely for over 20 years,”

The next day, the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) issued a statement which said in part:

“… Zarif, while bowing to the criminal commander of the terrorist Qods Force Qassem Soleimani, reiterated that he and his ministry represent nothing other than the ruling theocracy’s terrorist and warmongering policies.”

“During the U.S. attack on Iraq, as Iran’s representative in New York, I spoke, on orders from the country’s senior leadership, to American officials and had the greatest coordination with commander Soleimani. Subsequently, when I became minister, the two of us decided to make sure we meet at least once a week when we were both in Tehran to review the latest developments and undertake the necessary coordination,” Zarif added.

Time and again, the NCRI and its main component, the Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK)have stated that Zarif is the emissary for a regime, which is the world recorder in executions, is the most active state sponsor of terrorism, is the primary source of crisis and chaos in the region, and is the main patron of Syrian dictator Bashar Al-Assad in his massacre of the people of Syria. He brags about his companionship with such criminals as Hassan Nasrallah, Imad Mughniyah and Qassem Soleimani.

 “Engaging in trade, maintaining diplomatic ties, and meeting with the regime’s leaders from whichever faction only strengthen and empower the IRGC and the terrorist Qods Force, and provide fuel to the mullahs’ machinery of terror and warmongering,” the NCRI statement concluded.

A day after this declaration,#Zarif acknowledged the fact in an interview &said:"we(Zarif &Soleimani)have been working together closely over the past 20 years".Still #EU self-deceit itself in receiving&negotiating such terrorist while turning a blind eye on #HumanRightsViolations pic.twitter.com/ZOfr7hOehI

— Ka Veh (@kaveh20092009) September 2, 2019

Zarif’s remarks, as well as decades of experience, confirm that the regime’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, along with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) hold the levers of the regime’s foreign policy. Now, it should be clear, as never before, that there is absolutely no difference between the regime’s factions The Iranian people have recognized this fact as was evident in their chants during 2018 uprising, “Reformers, hardliners, the game is now over.” It is time for Europe to wake up to this reality as well.

Staff writer

The leader of the Iranian regime’s terrorist Quds Force, Qassem Suleimani, voiced his support for the regime’s Foreign Minister Javad Zarif after the embattled Foreign Minister announced his resignation on Instagram on Monday.

Suleimani, who has headed the terrorist operations of the Quds Force for more than twenty years, was quick to express his support of the “moderate” Foreign Minister and attempted to explain Zarif’s absence from a recent meeting with Syrian dictator Bashar al Assad, saying, “Zarif is in charge of the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic and has the approval of senior establishment officials, especially [Iranian regime Supreme Leader Ali] Khamenei. During the visit of [Syrian regime president] Bashar al-Assad to Tehran and his meeting with Rouhani, there was a lack of coordination in the presidential institution, which resulted in the absence of the FM and his dissatisfaction.”

In the past 5.5 years, Zarif tried to create a façade of a “moderate image” for #Iran’s religious fascism and pave the way for trade with the regime, intensification of warmongering and terrorism.#FreeIran #IranRegimeChange

— Mohammad Mohaddessin (@Mohaddessin) February 26, 2019

Zarif announced his resignation shortly after his noticeable absence during Assad’s visit to Iran. The announcement sent shock waves throughout Iran and the international community and caused controversy among the highest-ranking members of the regime. Regime President Hassan Rouhani refused to accept Zarif’s resignation, and Zarif went back to his office, posing for photo ops this week with an Armenian delegation that was visiting Iran.

Suleimani’s excuse that poor coordination led to the exclusion of Iran’s Foreign Minister from an official visit by a foreign President is laughable, but his choice to speak up for Zarif is worth noting. Zarif is often described as a “soft-spoken” moderate” by Westerners, while Suleimani is in charge of the regime’s terrorist campaigns. In a political atmosphere characterized by infighting, this level of support by regime officials from opposing factions is remarkable.

Chaos Behind Closed Doors

Zarif’s resignation and return to office are indicative of the chaotic situation taking place behind closed doors within the highest levels of the regime’s leadership. Rival factions within the regime have been unable to agree on a number of issues, including the Iran nuclear deal, the economic crisis facing the country, and negotiations to retain membership in the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The regime recently failed to meet a deadline to comply with the requirements necessary to remain a part of the international anti-terrorism group. The debate over FATF regulations has been a hot topic among regime officials for months, with hardliners arguing that the FATF hampered the regime’s ability to make money.

Zarif referred to the constant infighting amongst regime officials as poisonous. The conflict does seem to be taking a toll on the public face of the regime. Zarif has had an awkward couple of weeks. He went wildly off topic while answering questions outside of the Munich Security Conference earlier this month and angrily ranted about the MEK in an embarrassing breach of diplomatic protocol.

Terrorist Attacks against the MEK

The regime plotted a number of terrorist attacks last year against MEK members in Europe in response to the people’s uprising in Iran and subsequent anti-regime protest movement, which has been largely organized by MEK supporters in Iran. These terrorist plots have been organized using regime diplomats and embassies at the instruction of the regime’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS).

Zarif’s temper tantrum in Munich came after he was questioned about the regime’s series of foiled terrorist attacks against the MEK last year. While he was being interviewed, hundreds of MEK protesters were standing outside of the conference chanting and holding signs and banners demanding that he go home and calling him a terrorist.

Despite the infighting taking place between regime factions, nothing is more important to the mullahs’ regime than presenting a united front when it comes to eliminating the existential threat posed by the MEK.

Staff Writer