Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said he had no plans to run for the presidency, in an impromptu question and answer session on the social media channel Clubhouse.
In a country that has banned various social media platforms, from Twitter to Instagram, newcomer Clubhouse has taken Iran by storm.
On Wednesday night in a chat room meant to focus on Iran’s landmark deal with China, called “The 25-year Strategic Cooperation Pact", Mr Zarif made an unannounced appearance in his apparent debut on the app.
He addressed nearly 8,000 audience members with unusual candour.
Mr Zarif said the new US administration was no different from that of former president Donald Trump and a controversial new deal with China was good for Iran.
The foreign minister spent nearly two hours answering questions from both supporters and critics, largely focused on his political career, the future of the JCPOA and the latest deal between Iran and China.
Iran's nuclear sites - in pictures
On joining the channel, the foreign minister joked with the room that he was limited in time on the Apple-only app.
“I have an Android, I’m not rich like the rest of you and I only got the beta software that allows Android to use Clubhouse two hours ago,” he said.
Mr Zarif used the floor to emphasise he had no intentions of running for president in the next elections saying, "As God is my witness, I have no goal of running in the Iranian elections."
Iran’s elections, expected to take place in June, are being closely watched as the outgoing administration of Hassan Rouhani attempts to renegotiate a deal with the US and alleviate the nation’s economic woes.
Iran analyst Reza Marashi told The National that the only way Mr Zarif would be likely to run was if Ayatollah Khamenei asked him directly.
Mr Zarif also addressed the tense relationship between Iran and the US, saying President Joe Biden was similar to Mr Trump because his administration had continued the policy of maximum pressure on Iran.
Iran and officials of the new US administration have yet to meet to negotiate America’s return to the 2015 nuclear deal that Mr Trump walked out of three years ago – or Iran’s return to compliance with the terms of the deal.
With Europe unable to circumvent US sanctions,to continue trading with Iran as per the terms of the 2015 JCPOA, Tehran has turned east to China.
Tehran and Beijing recently signed a major deal to open Chinese investment in Iran in exchange for cheap Iranian oil supplied to China.
The agreement has caused concern in some circles of the Iranian public who have taken to social media to warn of neocolonialism and the government selling their country out to fix the dire economic crisis caused by US sanctions.
But Mr Zarif said the best way forward for Iran on the global stage was through the 25-year accord with China, the Iran nuclear deal, the removal of sanctions and ratifying the FATF, an intergovernmental anti-money laundering treaty.
Shortly after his Clubhouse appearance, Mr Zarif posted on Instagram hailing the China deal as the "best way to ensure the interests and sustainable development of Iran."
He also said he favoured a “balanced foreign policy” and did not support a solely eastward looking policy, like many hardliners in Iran, and neither was he pro-West.
“In a globalised world, a foreign policy that favours the East or West doesn’t make sense any more,” he said.
Mr Zarif is known for his jovial demeanour and personable interactions with both the public as well as journalists and foreign officials. But, on Wednesday night, the usually warm and effusive minister appeared strained, tense and quick to temper.
He told the audience that he was staying awake to answer their questions, despite having chosen to join the discussion.
He responded to a question on his portrayal in popular Iranian TV spy thriller Gando by saying the makers should just let him get on with doing his job.
Although it was Mr Zarif’s first appearance on Clubhouse, the app has already drawn candidates from both hardline and moderate factions before the elections.
The trend has fostered a degree of candour in the current campaign not often seen in Iran’s poetical discourse.
On Wednesday, Mr Zarif himself was questioned by politicians from both sides.
Twitter users were quick to point out that in Wednesday's room, journalists from outlets including BBC Persia, who have long gone head-to-head with the Iranian government, were not permitted to ask questions.
The chatroom's moderator was quoted as saying that Foreign Ministry officials made it a condition that journalists from certain media outlets and dissidents not be permitted to ask questions.
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
HIJRA
Starring: Lamar Faden, Khairiah Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhufairy
Director: Shahad Ameen
Rating: 3/5
Bert van Marwijk factfile
Born: May 19 1952
Place of birth: Deventer, Netherlands
Playing position: Midfielder
Teams managed:
1998-2000 Fortuna Sittard
2000-2004 Feyenoord
2004-2006 Borussia Dortmund
2007-2008 Feyenoord
2008-2012 Netherlands
2013-2014 Hamburg
2015-2017 Saudi Arabia
2018 Australia
Major honours (manager):
2001/02 Uefa Cup, Feyenoord
2007/08 KNVB Cup, Feyenoord
World Cup runner-up, Netherlands
Essentials
The flights
Emirates and Etihad fly direct from the UAE to Geneva from Dh2,845 return, including taxes. The flight takes 6 hours.
The package
Clinique La Prairie offers a variety of programmes. A six-night Master Detox costs from 14,900 Swiss francs (Dh57,655), including all food, accommodation and a set schedule of medical consultations and spa treatments.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
THE SPECS
Engine: six-litre W12 twin-turbo
Transmission: eight-speed dual clutch auto
Power: 626bhp
Torque: 900Nm
Price: Dh940,160 (plus VAT)
On sale: Q1 2020
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Alan Rushbridger, Canongate
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
The years Ramadan fell in May
Zayed Sustainability Prize
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Match statistics
Dubai Sports City Eagles 8 Dubai Exiles 85
Eagles
Try: Bailey
Pen: Carey
Exiles
Tries: Botes 3, Sackmann 2, Fourie 2, Penalty, Walsh, Gairn, Crossley, Stubbs
Cons: Gerber 7
Pens: Gerber 3
Man of the match: Tomas Sackmann (Exiles)
No more lice
Defining head lice
Pediculus humanus capitis are tiny wingless insects that feed on blood from the human scalp. The adult head louse is up to 3mm long, has six legs, and is tan to greyish-white in colour. The female lives up to four weeks and, once mature, can lay up to 10 eggs per day. These tiny nits firmly attach to the base of the hair shaft, get incubated by body heat and hatch in eight days or so.
Identifying lice
Lice can be identified by itching or a tickling sensation of something moving within the hair. One can confirm that a person has lice by looking closely through the hair and scalp for nits, nymphs or lice. Head lice are most frequently located behind the ears and near the neckline.
Treating lice at home
Head lice must be treated as soon as they are spotted. Start by checking everyone in the family for them, then follow these steps. Remove and wash all clothing and bedding with hot water. Apply medicine according to the label instructions. If some live lice are still found eight to 12 hours after treatment, but are moving more slowly than before, do not re-treat. Comb dead and remaining live lice out of the hair using a fine-toothed comb.
After the initial treatment, check for, comb and remove nits and lice from hair every two to three days. Soak combs and brushes in hot water for 10 minutes.Vacuum the floor and furniture, particularly where the infested person sat or lay.
Courtesy Dr Vishal Rajmal Mehta, specialist paediatrics, RAK Hospital
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The years Ramadan fell in May
More coverage from the Future Forum
War 2
Director: Ayan Mukerji
Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana
Rating: 2/5
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The five pillars of Islam
Zayed Sustainability Prize
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Not Dark Yet
Shelby Lynne and Allison Moorer
Four stars
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The Voice of Hind Rajab
Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees
Director: Kaouther Ben Hania
Rating: 4/5
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The five pillars of Islam
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
MATCH INFO
Who: UAE v USA
What: first T20 international
When: Friday, 2pm
Where: ICC Academy in Dubai
