A top aide to the Supreme Leader has strongly endorsed the July 14 nuclear deal, saying the agreement empowers Iran and helps Tehran increase aid to its regional allies.

Ali Akbar Velayati, a former Foreign Minister, told an international religious forum in Tehran on Saturday,
“The Islamic Republic of Iran will support the resistance front and of course, with the nuclear agreement, it will have more power for partnership and supporting its friends in the region.”

Velayati specifically referred to Iran’s essential political, economic, and military support of the Assad regime in Syria. He said that, despite many attempts, Western and “reactionary” Middle Eastern states had failed to overthrow President Assad.

He warned that Iran and its allies might face more challenges, but assured, “The resistance front is in a much better and stronger shape and situation than the past.”

The Supreme Leader supported negotiations leading to the July 14 nuclear deal with the 5+1 Powers (US, Britain, Germany, China, Russia, and France). However, he has been silent in recent weeks amid criticism from hardline MPs, clerics, and media of the agreement.

By EA WorldView