In commenting on “very disturbing” comments by Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, John Kerry admitted that what’s said “publicly” doesn’t always accurately reflect policy. What Kerry doesn’t say is if that reality cuts both ways. Khamenei gave a vituperative speech vowing to defy American-negotiated policies, regardless of any kind of nuclear deal Iran reaches with the US and its allies. “Even after this deal our policy toward the arrogant U.S. will not change,” Khamenei said.
Obviously that’s an affront to the diplomatic process. But Kerry made a revealing statement in assessing Khamenei’s remarks. “I do know that often comments are made publicly and things can evolve that are different,” Kerry said. Does that hold true just for the Iranians — or for the US also? Is the evolution of the Iran-US relationship/policy different than what either side says publicly?
