MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell reported Friday on the embarrassing spectacle of "Death to Israel Day" rallies in Iran, which make it difficult for Iranian nuclear negotiators to portray the Islamic republic as a moderate force.
"Just for perspective, today is known as Quds Day in Iran, or ‘Death to Israel Day,’ and the anti-American and anti-Israeli protests have been going on in the streets," Mitchell said. "There have been American flags burned along with posters of President Obama, Israel's prime minister, and the Saudi king, all being burned in the streets."
Quds Day rallies reveal an unsavory aspect of Iran’s character, namely its hostility toward the United States and encouragement of "violence against the Jewish state."
On Friday, millions of Iranians took part in Quds Day rallies, chanting "Down with America" and burning American flags with Stars of David replacing the traditional five-pointed stars.
Since the Islamic Revolution, Iran has condemned America and the Jewish state as the "Great Satan" and "Little Satan." Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, a military branch with powerful political influence, affirmed as recently as last year that "The U.S. is still the great Satan and the number one enemy of the (Islamic) revolution."
Iranian nuclear negotiators have been more cautious (however slightly) with their words, although Friday’s well-attended rallies undermine their attempt to portray the regime as moderate.
Mitchell reported that strong anti-Jewish and anti-American sentiment in Iran would make a nuclear deal with the United States more difficult to pull off.
"This is not a great day, even if they were to reach a deal, to be seen shaking hands with the secretary of state and bringing back an agreement with the U.S.," Mitchell said.
Iranian and P5+1 negotiators have extended nuclear negotiations in Vienna for a fourth time, with no end in sight.
Temporary sanctions relief for Iran, a multi-billion dollar sweetener to keep it at the negotiating table, has also been extended.