The Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei once again ruled out negotiations with the United States, but said he approves of talks with any other country, including Europeans.
"Iran does not oppose the notion of negotiations with other countries, whether European or not," the Leader said.
"But the situation is different when it comes to [talks with] the US because their definition of negotiations with the Islamic Republic of Iran amounts to gaining influence to pave the way for imposition [of their demands]."
"Negotiations with the US are prohibited because they have numerous disadvantages and no benefits," he stressed.
Ayatollah Khamenei made the remarks in a meeting with commanders and personnel of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Naval Force in Tehran on Wednesday.
The Leader denounced those who he called “gullible” and “superficial” for promoting the idea of talks with the United States, Fars News Agency reported.
“Regrettably, some are disseminating their naive views in newspapers, lectures and on the internet justifying negotiations with the US, which is a mistake.”
He cautioned that in view of intensified efforts by hostile states, the Islamic Republic is at a “critical juncture,” saying, “[The enemies] are seeking to influence officials’ calculations and the attitude of the public toward the revolution, religion and national interests.”
“It is in the nature of the enemy to try to thrive on aggression and infiltration,” he said, stressing the necessity of boosting the country’s capabilities to counter hostile moves.
“According to Quranic instructions, we should always be prepared to strike fear in [the heart of] the enemy so it dare not attack us.”
Referring to plots by hegemonic powers in the region, Ayatollah Khamenei said they are ready to use any “inhuman” means to advance their interests in the region, citing the killing of people in Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Palestine and Bahrain.
“Their claim of advocating human and civil rights is untrue and invalid.”
