Rouhani, Zarif face criticism for suggesting talks with US

While Iran seeks the removal of sanctions, some officials are not keen to reenter direct talks with the US.
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohmmad Javad Zarif (C) attends during the inaugural session of the new parliament in Tehran on May 27, 2020, following February elections. - The 11th legislature since the Islamic revolution of 1979 opened as the country's economy, which has been hard hit by the novel coronavirus, gradually returns to normal. Rouhani, who is in the final year of his second and final term, called on MPs, collectively and individually, to place the "national interest above special interests", "party
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif (C) attends the inaugural session of the new parliament in Tehran on May 27, 2020, following February elections. - AFP via Getty Images
Al Monitor: The Pulse of the Middle East
Al-Monitor Staff

President Hassan Rouhani and Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif are under fire for suggesting that Iran could continue talks with the United States after President-elect Joe Biden takes office.

In a video recently released by Iranian media, head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force Esmail Ghaani criticizes the idea of speaking with the United States. Ghaani, who took over the Quds Force after the United States assassinated the previous commander, Qasem Soleimani, said that Iran is under a new era in the region and would be on the defensive. 

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