Scott Lucas weighs in:
'it remains to be seen why Ahmadinejad made his move (and note that he made it in a hastily-called interview on national television), as well as signaling that there was talks about trading three US detainees for Iranian prisoners held abroad. The immediate speculation would be that there have been behind-the-scenes talks with brokers such as Turkey; the International Atomic Energy Agency and the US had both signaled in recent days that a deal was still on the table. At the same time, although the President is staying clear of the internal crisis in his public comments and actions, I have to wonder if he has also made this unexpected move to try and grab some â??legitimacyâ? before 11 February.Now, however, Ahmadinejad may have renewed the fight, but with â??conservativesâ? within the establishment. It was the challenge of high-profile politicians like Ali Larijani that derailed the Presidentâ??s autumn efforts at a nuclear deal to shore up his position. So keep eyes wide open as to how Larijani and his Parliamentary allies react and even if the Supreme Leader offers any signals.
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