Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated on Monday that Tehran would only consider working with the United States if Washington changed its stance in the Middle East, including ending support for Israel.
Khamenei said, “If they completely stop backing the Zionist regime, withdraw their military bases from this region, and refrain from interference, cooperation could be possible. The arrogant nature of the United States accepts nothing but submission.”
In June, Israel launched a major bombing campaign targeting Iran, leading to a brief US involvement with strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. The 12-day conflict, which included Iranian missile and drone responses, disrupted ongoing nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington that began in April. A ceasefire has been in place since June 24.
Khamenei emphasized that strengthening the nation would deter enemies, stating, “If the country becomes strong and the enemy sees that confrontation only leads to loss, Iran will gain immunity.”
Iran continues to face economic pressure from long-standing international sanctions. The US withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018 and reinstated sanctions, which were further reinforced by the UN in September after Britain, France, and Germany triggered the snapback mechanism.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Al Jazeera that Tehran is ready to resume negotiations with the US, but strictly on its nuclear program, excluding missile issues. He added that talks could restart “whenever the Americans are ready to negotiate on an equal footing,” noting that neither side is rushing.
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