8:34 pm: CNN appears to have an interesting scoop and a photo to go along with it:
In a blatant act of defiance, a group of Mullahs took to the streets of Tehran, to protest election results that returned incumbent President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to power.
6:08 pm: WhiteHouse.gov has the Farsi translation of the President’s opening statement from today’s press conference.
5:47 pm: Trita on Rachel Maddow last night
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Trita has also given us assurances that he’s going to get at least some sleep tonight.
5:37 pm: Larijani pushing for Mousavi air-time
According to Tahlile Rooz, the speaker of the parliament is trying set up a time for Mousavi to appear on the state TV and discuss his complaints. One of the members of the committee charged with investigating the election violations said “the biased behavior of [IRIB] has fueled the current situation and some authorities including the speaker of parliament are critical of this [behavior].”
According to this member, “Larijani believes that censorship and taking sides by IRIB does not solve the problems or gain people’s trust. Rather, the opposition’s voice must also be heard.”
5:29 pm: Rep. Ros-Lehtinen takes shots at Obama for hotdog diplomacy
Previously, we applauded the Obama administration’s decision to invite Iranian diplomats to 4th of July celebrations at US Embassies around the world. Yesterday, during the State Department’s briefing, a spokesman said that the administration was giving no thought to rescinding the invitations, despite the ongoing post-election turmoil.
Now, in keeping with the tactic that some in Congress have been using to score cheap political points against the President for his prudent use of restraint over the last week and a half, Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) is shocked, shocked that our diplomats will be allowed to “comingle” with Iranians on our national day.
“The Fourth of July is a day when we celebrate democracy and reflect on the gift of freedom which all Americans cherish.
“I am stunned that some find it appropriate for U.S. officials to comingle with officials, representatives and agents of the Iranian regime this Independence Day. What kind of message does this send to the Iranian people, who are bravely standing up for the same rights and freedoms which Americans celebrate on this day?
“The Iranian people are no less worthy of freedom and self-governance than citizens of the United States.
“It is time for the United States to rescind this invitation and, instead, express our unwavering support for the Iranian people and their dreams and ideals. This Independence Day, we must stand with all who yearn to live free, instead of fraternizing with their oppressors.”
President Obama has made a number of statements about Iran over the last 10 days, and he has been absolutely unwavering in his support for the Iranian people. It’s just plain disingenuous to claim that he is doing anything other than “standing with those who yearn to live free.”
As for the standing invitation, and what it will mean for the future of US-Iran relations…I think we have bigger things to worry about right now.
5:10 pm: (UPDATED) BREAKING
The newspaper Kayhan, which is closely affiliated with the Supreme Leader, has an article in Thursday’s paper laying the groundwork for Mousavi’s arrest.
This is a strong indication that either the government will attempt to arrest Mr. Mousavi soon or that they want Mousavi to fear that they will do so.