Why is Obama carrying a can?

May 26, 2015

1 min read

The Fate of John Kerry

We do have other choices, aside from cans

To Zarif: Brother Obama said that, in addition to other threats, I should appear before you at all times during negotiations

We have brought this can for Iran

Obama takes a selfie with a can

“Dabbe” is a Persia and Arabic word for “can”

And at last: A Crushing Response to Obama’s “Cans,” and a popular refrain from Ayatollah Khamenei: “The Iranian nation will not negotiate under threats…”

The first shipment of cans arrives in Iran. Experts believe that importing US-produced cans will mean Iran will not need to import any other kind of can or even plastic containers for 10 years

Our latest idea: the cantrifuge! It’s the latest in our innovations to replace centrifuges

(1) Hello! Where were you, my dear can? (2) I heard the negotiations were almost finished, so I am here now. (3). Goody, goody! Now we can bring up a can

What a great [Lausanne] can! In it we can pickle all Iranian centrifuges

The short answer (according to Iran's hardline media): He is making unreasonable demands in order to shirk his nuclear commitments to Iran.

But what has can-carrying got to do with shirking commitments? You may well ask.

For Persian speakers, these images are clear. “Bringing up a can” is a Persian expression for trying to wiggle out of a deal or an agreement through using excuses or excessive demands.

Fars news agency, which is affiliated with the Revolutionary Guards, published these photographs on its website on Tuesday, May 26. In a short introduction, it quotes Ali Akbar Salehi, the head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, who said that the United States was not honoring its commitments. According to the site, other officials – as yet unnamed – agreed.

Whatever happens, these images are sure to put a smile on the faces of hardliners.