‘If they completely abandon...’: Khamenei says no talks with US unless it ends support for Israel

Tehran: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Monday said that Tehran would only consider cooperating with the United States if Washington changed its regional policies, including its support for Israel.

"If they completely abandon support for the Zionist regime, withdraw their military bases from here (the region), and refrain from interfering in this region, then it (cooperation) can be considered," Khamenei said.

"The arrogant nature of the United States accepts nothing other than submission."

The remarks were made during a gathering with students in Tehran to mark the anniversary of the 1979 takeover of the US embassy, an event following the Islamic Revolution that toppled the Western-backed Shah.

Tensions between Iran, Israel, and the US escalated in mid-June when Israel launched a major bombing campaign against Iran, sparking a 12-day war. The conflict included US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and Iranian missile and drone responses. The clashes also derailed nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington that had started in April. A ceasefire has been in place since June 24.

"If the country becomes strong and the enemy realises that confronting this strong nation will not yield profit but will bring loss, the country will certainly gain immunity," Khamenei added.

Iran continues to face severe international sanctions, especially after the United States withdrew from the nuclear deal in 2018 and reimposed restrictions. In September, the United Nations reinstated sanctions through the so-called “snapback” mechanism, after Britain, France, and Germany triggered the process.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Al Jazeera on Sunday that Tehran remains "ready to enter negotiations" with Washington, but only regarding its nuclear program. He ruled out discussions on Iran’s missile capabilities.

"Talks could resume whenever the Americans are ready to negotiate on an equal footing and based on mutual interests. Apparently, they are not in a hurry. We are not in a hurry either," Araghchi said. AFP