Chairman of Iran’s powerful Guardian Council Warns of ‘Underground Network’ with America.

Chairman of Iran’s powerful Guardian Council Warns of ‘Underground Network’ with America. HT: UskowiOnIran.

Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati, the chairman of Iran’s powerful Guardian Council, told a crowd at Friday’s Prayer in Tehran that some Iranian officials are attempting to establish secret relations with the United States.

“A number of people are trying to build an underground network for relations with America,” said Jannati. “Every time there is an opportunity, a number of America-worshipers with America-friendship … deep within their existence will say something.” (ISNA/Al-Monitor, 21 February)

The ayatollah did not disclose any names, but addressed those officials directly from the Prayer’s pulpit:

“The people accept neither America nor you. Why are you separating your path from the people? What you are doing is futile and will not reach results. However, … the people are not with you, and as long as the people do not want it, nothing will take place.”

But Jannati singled out Iran’s nuclear negotiators and warned them not to enter into negotiations with the United States outside nuclear issue.

“Do not interfere in other work,” Jannati said. “We will not allow you to enter into other issues during the meetings to solve the nuclear issue. We will not give up our rights, and we want nothing more than our rights.” (ISNA/Al-Monitor, 21 February)