WASHINGTON (CNN) – The Obama administration is seriously considering not extending invitations to Iranian diplomats for July 4 celebrations overseas, senior administration officials tell CNN.
The officials said intense discussions on the issue were taking place, but the final decision had not been made.
Late last month the State Department sent a cable to its embassies and consulates worldwide informing them they "may invite representatives from the government of Iran" to their July 4th celebrations.
The U.S. receptions marking Independence Day usually feature symbols of Americana, such as hot dogs, red-white-and-blue decorations and remarks by U.S. officials about America's founding fathers.
The Obama administration had decided to invite Iranians to the celebrations at overseas posts as part of President Obama's policy of engaging the Iranian regime.
As part of that engagement Obama videotaped a message for the Iranian people on the Persian New year and U.S. officials have engaged members of the Iranian government.
In March Richard Holbrooke, the Obama administration's Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan spoke briefly with Iran's deputy foreign minister, Mohammad Mehdi Akhondzadeh, at an Afghanistan conference in The Hague.
But officials said the violence against protesters that has ensued since the June 12 election has caused the administration to rethink the timing of such engagement.
One senior administration official said Wednesday the reconsideration of the July 4th invitations is consistent with Obama's comments Tuesday, in which he said he was "shocked and appalled" at the violence against demonstrators.
"The president said yesterday how this plays out will affect what we do," the official said.
Obama said Tuesday, "If Iran chooses a path that abides by international norms and principles, then we are interested in healing some of the wounds of 30 years in terms of U.S.-Iranian relations."
But he sidestepped questions on whether the offer to attend the celebrations still stand.
"That's a choice the Iranians are going to have to make," he said.
Officials said if such a decision is made invitations that have gone out will not be rescinded, although it was unclear whether any Iranians had accepted an invitation.
On Tuesday Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Fla., the top Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee said an invitation to Iranian diplomats would send the wrong message to Iranians "who are bravely standing up for the same rights and freedoms which Americans celebrate on this day."
"The Fourth of July is a day when we celebrate democracy and reflect on the gift of freedom which all Americans cherish," she said in a statement. "The Iranian people are no less worthy of freedom and self-governance than citizens of the United States."
Administration officials believe the U.S. will engage Iran at some point to address issues of US national security, including the nuclear issue, the idea of bilateral engagement is in a holding pattern while the violence continues.
"I wouldn't say engagement is off the table, but it is certainly on ice," a senior administration official told CNN this week.
From CNN Politics
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WOW !!!!!! That ought to scare 'em.......BAD IRANIANS.
To be fair, I don't think every Iran Diplomats agree with what is going on in Iran right now. Unfortunately, they don't have any voice or any real leader to show the way.
A smart move would be invited them anyway, and try to find out which one agrees or disagrees with their leader (if you play the right card, it's not difficult to get the answer)
This people might prove to be useful in the near future.
The ceiling and wall in Iran has been broken. Sooner or Later, freedom will find the way.
By shutting the door, USA might miss the opportunity when opportunity comes knocking the door
Just my two cents:)
The apple doesn't fall far from the tree....Barry is just keeping his muslim brothers happy.
Great – more hot dogs for moi!
Get them off the list.
duh! no brainer!
No comments for the Obama stories (all 2 of them) . Look at the negative articles for Repubs and the hateful comments!
"The U.S. receptions marking Independence Day usually feature symbols of Americana, such as hot dogs...." LOL!, LOL!
If we've invited them in the past, not inviting them because of their "civl unrest' would not sit well diplomatically speaking. They will feel excluded, and that would translate into us making a non-verbal statement that we've sided with one side or the other. I believe that all lines of communications should be kept open as we will have to deal with whomever ultimately ends up in power in Iran. If indeed we've committed to letting them sort things out, then it should be business as usual.
The Iranians are currently fighting for their independence and you want to invite them to celebrate our own independence . Hello!
what a joke, this whole iran thing and obama is a joke. he thought he could sweet talk them, at the expense of the lives of REAL PEOPLE DYING ON THE STREETS OF IRAN. EGOMANIAC
IT IS A TRAVESTY, IS THIS THE COMPASSION OF LIBERAL IDEOLOGY?
THE MEDIA IN THIS COUNTRY THAT DOES NOT HOLD HIM TO ACCOUNT IS JUST AS CULPABLE
Oh no, that' s putting real pressure on the Iranian dicatatorship.
They will look at this and tell each other that the US is indeed being run by a schmuck.
"Seriously considering"? lololol
Wouldn't inviting Iranian diplomats over for Independence Day sort of be like inviting Jews over for Christmas, or like inviting PETA to a BBQ sponsored by the NRA?
"What took you so long?"
- Major Garret, asking President Obama in his presser yesterday, about his statement deploring Iranian violence.
If this had any meaning or import, then it would be news. It doesn't, ergo it isn't.
Fact is, we can't really afford to do anything to sanction one side or the other in Iran's internal conflict right now. These diplomats are people placed there by the current regime and it could be interpreted as ratification of the current regime's stance and behavior. On the other hand, the greater likelihood is that the current regime will remain in power and, if we want to have NEW dialogue with them, one way of ending the OLD dialogue is opening the door to more amicable personal relationships with their leadership. It's a catch-22 to some extent, which is why the decision is fairly meaningless...dam*ed if you do, dam*ed if you don't.
This has been a real eyeopener for the clerics in Iran. Guess what? They are no longer in charge! Ahmad..whatever his name is, was a member of the Revolutionary Guard. THEY now run the country, not the mullahs. Ahmad..whatever has replaced people all over the country and installed the military in charge of everything. Now the mullahs know it, the Iranian poeple know it, and so does everyone else. At first, it appeared as though this was about an election dispute; now we see that it is about suppression. It will be much harder for the Iranians to have another revolution since the military is so much smarter now than under the Shah. This is a real game changer. Within a week, Syria agrees to a returning US Envoy, that should tell you something real ominous is brewing. I predict Libya will be next. Iran is going to have to be contained, all the local players now realize that too!
How can we rescind the invitation when the President himself said:
"That's a choice the Iranians are going to have to make,"
So, it's up to the Iranian Nazis who are massacring people in Tehran today.
If Iran is allowed to attend America's Independence extravaganza, I might have reconsider my vote for Democrats in the near future. Obama's great, but Iran is not and I do not support Iran in any way shape or form for their beatings, killings, and decietful lies to their people and the world. They should not be allowed any sympathy for their actions. They are aware of what they are doing and even admit to beatings and killings as the blood is on the people's hands for trying to voice their rights for freedom. What government displays such words towards it's people? Dictatorship and uncanny individuals inflicting martial law!
I still think the best way forward is dialogue! What would have happened if we hadnt spoken with the Russians or the Chinese? Sometimes regardless of whats going on dialogue and diplomacy may be the best way to reach them! We cant BOMB BOMB BOMB Iran as the Republicans would suggest!
Wow Barry, you've got the Iranians right where you want them!!
LOL This president is a JOKE! THe world is laughing at us.
What pray tell will this Monger and promoter of war and hatred, responsible for the economic meltdown, have any wisdom to share. May this book be only enjoyed by his and Frat Boy Bush's former white house staff. You should be ashamed, Richard. Been hunting lately?
Definitely should be uninvited. That way Obama can make sure all the ACORN officials are there to celebrate Independence Day.
Excuse me, but I think the Iranis would rather have some healthy tabouleh or cous cous on their plate! Seriously though I hope good diplomacy will prevail.
Leah: I beg to disagree with you. Diplomats represents their country. When you invite the diplomat, you are inviting the country or rather the President.
Keeping the situation of Iran at the moment, it is extremely difficult to extend such an invitation to them.
Wow! Extreme and bold leadership – NOT. Has Umbama ever given a firm consistant opinion on anything? (besides himself)
I suppose if they actually set off a nuke someday he might even frown at them. That would show 'em.
There is no need for violience but gee whiz make the call here on the party invitations dude.
It is clear that the Iranian people want their voice to be heard and that the current political leaders have no regards to their opinions.
How is that any different from before the Revolutionary War? Are we inviting the Queen?
If the diplomats stand against their government, I say extend a hand out to them. Although Britain has kicked two diplomats out, we're not Britain. We are celebrating our Independence, and the Iranian people are fighting for theirs. Maybe they need to see what freedom is actually like then they can go back to their country and denounce the violence that their regime is commiting.
Obama should invite them over for milk n' cookies.
Oh my God!! They will be devastated! President Obama is so tough. This will really show the terrorist led govt of Iran! I heard that if they continue to be bullies Obama is considering not inviting them to his Birthday Party too.
They should be invited, then our Diplomats can do their jobs to persuade them!
Sometimes I can't believe we're even debating this. Don't get caught up in the hype, its diplomacy 101.
The Iranian representatives should be invited, then when they arrive they should receive a thorough grilling from our representatives.
its funny the stories the obama maniacs post on , and here or other serious issues silent, lol its funny just mention rush Palin anyone else on the list and there is 300 post. so ignorant this administration and its cult like followers.
Yeah , that should whip 'em into shape...since they have seen all the fireworks they need for awhile , I think they would pass on the invite anyway.
Is this a slow news day or what!!!!
Oh how our country's enemies (the Republican Party) will crow if Obama does this since according to Republicans, we Americans are a bunch of mental weaklings who cannot afford to confront or dialogue with our enemies face to face (kind of tell one what Republicans think about their own mental abilities though).
A week of murdering people on the streets of Tehran and all this administration can come up with is sanctioning IRAN's 4th of July hot dog!
I don't expect the POTUS to go off half cocked like the Bush administration did but come on...we need a little bit stronger message to send than "If you don't start playing nice in the sand box, we won't share our lunch with you".
This is one area Obama is 100% right on. His stance has been correct. I also believe this is his smartest move since taking office. They should, however, use caution on this subject because you don't want to punish everyone for something only a few caused.
Just have some doggie bags with freedom fries in them waiting for them at the gate. Tell them there was only seating for freedom loving governments. The symbolism will be a just reminder of their 1979 invasion of our embassy in Iran when they charged in uninvited.