That was on Monday, June 22. But today, June 24, CNN's Political Ticker blog is reporting that the administration is, in fact, having second thoughts:
"I wouldn't say engagement is off the table, but it is certainly on ice," a senior administration official told CNN this week.
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Update: Associated Press is now reporting that the July Fourth invitations have been rescinded.
An offer for Iranian envoys to attend U.S. embassy Fourth of July parties has been rescinded as the violent crackdown in Tehran continues, the White House said Wednesday.
"Given the events of the past many days, those invitations will no longer be extended," presidential spokesman Robert Gibbs said.
-- snip --
[State Department spokesman Ian] Kelly said no Iranians have accepted, and he indicated that the U.S. saw little reason for them to, given the political crisis over their disputed presidential election.
Sorry Iran, but The Great Satan no longer requests the pleasure of your company at his Independence Day celebrations.
Interesting that this announcement came from the White House spokesman, Robert Gibbs, vice the State Department spokesman, Ian Kelly. And, is it just me, or does Kelly sound kind of glum over this party-pooping development?
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