The analysis of Iranian negotiation strategy — which appears to represent a step back from the brink of confrontation — in the communique is predicated on the regime’s need for self-preservation. It wants a confrontation with the great powers that will provide a pretext for intensified internal repression and marginalization of domestic opponents. That may be why the leading figures of the opposition oppose a stricter regime of sanctions.

And I can’t help but think of what an Iranian dissident told me recently: “Do not believe anything our president says. Do not believe their claim for nuclear power to be peaceful. They have no credibility, you can not trust them, this election was proof of that. They stole our votes, and silenced our protest against them.”

Some more @TehranBureau updates:

regime blaming all on terrorists backed by west, MEK [Mujahideen e-Khalq, a terrorist group formerly backed by Saddam Hussein]

the rest of the world can help by continuing to spread the word

national tv showed scenes of saturday – only scenes of protestors attacking security forces

their line (regime) is that protestors terrorists funded by west and holligans [sic -- it's a tweet, c'mon. You've never mistyped on Twitter?]

mousavi’s popularity has soared since his response to khamenei on Friday

I’ll keep watching, but so far, @TehranBureau hasn’t called for the United States to openly side with the opposition. His recommendations — “let the regime know the world is watching” — are pretty much in line with what President Obama has been saying, regardless of the Sunday-show bluster that dismisses concern for the Iranian opposition’s desires.