Iran’s Supreme Leader Rejects Direct Talks With U.S.
Iran's supreme leader Thursday strongly
rejected proposals for direct talks with United States, apparently
quashing suggestions for a breakthrough dialogue on the nuclear standoff
and potentially other issues.
The
statement posted on Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's website marked his first
reaction to the idea for the one-on-one talks, which have been floated
for months and were reinforced last week by U.S. Vice President Joe
Biden.
But any possible momentum
depended on Khamenei, who has the final say in all key matters and has
previously opposed direct negotiations with Washington.
"Talks will not solve any problems," Khamenei said in a statement.
"You
are holding a gun against Iran saying you want to talk. The Iranian
nation will not be frightened by the threats," he added in apparent
reference to U.S. sanctions over Iran's nuclear efforts.
Iran
and six world powers, including the U.S., are scheduled to resume
nuclear negotiations later this month. Three rounds last year ended in
stalemate with Tehran pushing for a roll back in Western sanctions in
exchange for any key concessions on its nuclear program.
The
West and allies fear that Iran's uranium enrichment labs could
eventually produce weapons-grade material. The Islamic Republic claims
it only seeks nuclear fuel for energy reactors and medical applications.
The U.S. and Iran broke ties after
the storming of the American Embassy in Tehran in the wake of the 1979
Islamic Revolution. Iranian militants held American hostages for 444
days.
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