An Infograph taken from the website of the Center for Preserving and Publishing the Words of Iran’s Supreme Leader, criticizes nuclear negotiations with the US. (Asharq Al-Awsat/ Center for Preserving and Publishing the Words of Iran’s Supreme Leader)
London, Asharq Al-Awsat—The official website of Iranian Supreme Leader Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has published an infograph illustrating US diplomats making demands and issuing threats against the Islamic Republic during negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program.
The infograph, published on Wednesday by the Center for Preserving and Publishing the Words of Iran’s Supreme Leader, refers to last month’s meeting between Iranian Foreign Ministry officials and their counterparts from the US State Department.
The website said the infograph demonstrated the “uselessness and harmfulness” of nuclear talks with the P5+1 group of nations (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany).
This represents the first time an infograph such as this has been published on Khamenei’s official website. The infograph shows cartoons of four senior US diplomats. US Secretary of State John Kerry is shown standing up and angrily smashing his fist on the negotiating table, causing a glass of water to be spilled.
The infograph quotes Kerry threatening the Islamic Republic. “If Iran backtracks from the interim deal and resumes enrichment, then military action is on the table,” it has him saying. It also depicts him accusing Iran of sponsoring terrorism and supporting groups such as Hezbollah, allegations Tehran strongly denies.
The graph designates three “Mischiefs” and two “Non-benefits” from the negotiations with the US.
The “Mischiefs,” according to the infograph, include the “insulting” US tone and attitude during the negotiations, and the weakening of Iran’s global reputation, with Tehran being viewed as uncertain and weak in negotiating with its longtime enemy.
The infograph also includes a caricature of US Undersecretary of State Wendy Sherman along with her infamous comment from 2013 that “deception is part of the DNA” of Iranians.
The infograph claims that the continuation of the present scenario will only strengthen the US position, and that Washington will eventually expand the scope of its demands.
The “Non-benefits” to Iran, according to the infograph, are that negotiations have led to an increase both in sanctions against Iran and in animosity toward the country from US officials.