Columbia International Affairs Online: Working Papers

CIAO DATE: 06/2014

Ayatollah Khamenei: Pessimistic Negotiator, Optimistic Strategist

Mehdi Khalaji

February 2014

The Washington Institute for Near East Policy

Abstract

Despite offering nominal support for Iran's nuclear negotiating team, Khamenei and his circle continue to criticize the talks and could sabotage them outright if internal dynamics go against President Rouhani.