Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei commented on Zarif’s statements targeting the late commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Speaking in a televised speech, Khamenei said that “This was a big mistake that must not be made by an official of the Islamic Republic.”
Khamenei also stated that some of the statements which were heard in the leaked tape were a “repetition of what Iran’s enemies say.” He also warned that the Iranian officials should refrain from acts that would make Iran’s enemies happy.
In his statements, the Supreme Leader defined Quds Forces, the external branch of IRGC, as a diplomatic wing of Iran’s West Asia policy and as an organization that is directly bound to him. Foreign Minister Javad Zarif was heard, in the leaked tape, while he was complaining about the IRGC’s influence on Iranian diplomacy.
Also, Ayatollah Khamenei highlighted that the Foreign Ministry is only responsible for implementing the decisions of higher-ranking bodies.
Upon the statements of the Supreme Leader, Foreign Minister Javad Zarif stated that Khamenei’s remarks are the “last and endpoint” to the discussion. Zarif also added that he and his colleagues would work to “fully implement the views” of the Supreme Leader.
Besides, Zarif posted a message on his Instagram account over the reactions derived from his statements about the late commander Qassem Soleimani and apologized to the latter’s family and lovers.
It is expected that Zarif would respond to questions regarding his statements in the leaked tape in front of the parliament’s internal security and foreign affairs commission.
