The space opera in Iran continues, and it's reaching some dizzying heights.
Speaking at an event dedicated to commemorating the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad proclaimed his willingness to become the first human that his country sends into space.
"I am ready to be the first human to be sent to space by Iranian scientists," said Ahmadinejad to a group of scientists, according to Reuters. "Sending living things into space is the result of Iranian efforts and the dedication of thousands of Iranian scientists."
Not content to leave it at that, Ahmadinejad framed his decision with references to hatred by Western countries such as the United States and appealed to the country's sense of pride.
"We should admit that some [powers] do not tolerate Iranian greatness and growth. Iranians [have] incited devils' hatred by Iranian idealism, perfectionism, and being human," he added.
The announcement comes just a week after Iran claims to have successfully launched, and returned to safety, a monkey into orbit.
While there was some intriguing speculation as to whether or not the country faked the rocket's launch, or lied about the monkey's survival, it seems likely that the operation went according to plan, especially if Iran's president is openly suggesting that he go into space next.
The big question here is: How serious is he?
Although we don't know yet if Ahmadinejad's suggestion was genuine, he already has some (not-so-genuine) supporters on Facebook. Iranian users have posted a new Facebook page dubbed "In support of sending Ahmadinejad into space."
Clearly seeking to get rid of the embattled president as soon as possible, one user wrote, "We will accompany him to the platform, we will even pay for the shuttle's fuel costs."
It's safe to say the jokes will be flowing liberally from here on out (one can only imagine what The Daily Show will do with the news), but not all the quips have been embraced warmly.
Tweeting about the news on Monday, Republican Senator John McCain cracked a joke referring to Ahmadinejad as a monkey.
"So Ahmadinejad wants to be first Iranian in space - wasn't he just there last week?" wrote McCain.
The tweet didn't go over well with everybody, prompting McCain to tell people to "lighten up."
That, in turn, caused Michigan Representative Justin Amash to tell the former Presidential nominee that "Maybe you should wisen up & not make racist jokes."
Will the jokes continue? Will Ahmadinejad really fly into space? Tune in next time, folks. The show can only get better if it turns out to be real.
