Iran's Chief Nuclear Negotiator Resigns

Iran's chief nuclear negotiator has resigned his post amid struggles with President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

According to the Los Angeles Times' web site, "The resignation of Ali Larijani dealt a major setback to Iranian moderates trying to forge a compromise over Iran's pursuit of nuclear technology, which is strongly opposed by the West."

Larijani also served for two years as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council which advises the Iranian government on major matters of state. Yet, despite his resignation, the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei -- who has the final say in such matters -- is choosing to side with the president and his radical views.

"This is definitely a major political change, and not necessarily a positive one," said Saeed Leylaz, a political analyst and former government official. "It might mean that Iran is speeding up its activities and is becoming more radical, especially now with higher oil prices."