Tehran will receive “zero benefit” from engaging in negotiations with Washington over its nuclear program, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei stated on 23 September.
“Under the current circumstances, negotiating with the US does not help us; it has zero benefits, and it will not prevent any harm towards us. In fact, negotiating now would cause harm,” the Supreme Leader said during a televised speech marking the anniversary of the Iran-Iraq war.
Earlier this year, Iran and the US took part in Oman-brokered talks for a deal that would have placed limits on Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for relief from US economic sanctions.
However, the White House used the negotiations as cover to allow Israel to launch an unprovoked surprise attack against Iran in June, bombing the country with drones, missiles, and warplanes.
US President Donald Trump later brought the US into the war, ordering warplanes to bomb three Iranian nuclear facilities.
“Based on all of this, I say we should not negotiate with the United States. Maybe in 20 or 30 years it will be different, but for now it’s useless. It only serves Trump,” Khamenei stated.
“Negotiations with the United States are useless because the US has already predetermined the results of the talks, which is that we must stop nuclear activities and enrichment. This is no negotiation; it is dictation and imposition.”
During his speech, Khamenei also discussed the 12-day war with Israel in June, stating that the “unity of the Iranian nation frustrated the enemy,” as Israel did not achieve its goal of toppling the Iranian government.
Israel planned to strike Iranian military commanders and other influential figures in the government to “create chaos in the country,” in particular in Iran.
“They wanted to create sedition, create street sedition, launch gangs, and uproot Islam in the country. This was the enemy’s goal,” Khamenei stated.
The Supreme Leader recalled the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed one year ago by massive Israeli airstrikes targeting his headquarters in the Beirut suburbs.
“Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah was a great wealth for the Islamic world, not just for Shiism, not just for Lebanon, he was a wealth for the Islamic world,” Khamenei stated. “He is gone, but this wealth that he created remains.”
He added that Hezbollah should not be underestimated and that the resistance movement is an asset not only for the people of Lebanon but also for others.
The Supreme Leader emphasized the importance of the country’s ability to enrich uranium, stating that nuclear power plants can reduce the cost of electricity production and lower pollution.
Enriched uranium also allows for research, education, and scientific pursuits. He noted that Iran is one of just ten nations with the ability to enrich uranium.