Iranian diplomats still invited to July 4 celebrations

The violent protests in Iran will not cost the regime’s diplomats their invitation to July 4th celebrations at U.S. embassies around the world, the State Department said yesterday.

The administration had previously invited Iranian representatives to barbecues at various embassies to celebrate Independence Day, and the offer still stands.

“There’s no thought to rescinding the invitations to Iranian diplomats,” said State Department spokesman Ian Kelly, according to AFP.

“We have made a strategic decision to engage on a number of fronts with Iran,” Kelly added. “We tried many years of isolation, and we’re pursuing a different path now.”

If I had to bet on one curve ball question at Obama’s presser today, I’d guess someone will bring this up. Stay tuned.