Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei described Trump’s calls for negotiations with Iran as deceit, stating that “US President’s statement that we are ready to negotiate with Iran and inviting to negotiations is deceiving the world public. This means we are in favor of negotiations and peace, but Iran is not willing. Why is Iran not willing to negotiate? Take a look at yourselves,” he said.
Hamanei, who met with university students in Tehran due to Ramadan, pointed out the loss of figures such as former President Ebrahim Raisi, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, and Yahya Sinwar due to the helicopter crash, stating that “they are not among us this year. Their absence is a great loss for us, but it has not weakened us. It is not correct to think that Iran has weakened due to the absence of these valuable figures. I confidently say that although the absence of these brothers is a great loss, we are stronger on some issues this year than last year. At least we are not weaker.”
Hamanei criticized US President Donald Trump’s statements that he is ready to negotiate with Iran, saying, “US President’s statement that we are ready to negotiate with Iran and inviting to negotiations is deceiving the world public. This means we are in favor of negotiations and peace, but Iran is not willing. Why is Iran not willing to negotiate? Take a look at yourselves,” he said.
Pointing out that the US did not comply with negotiations in the past, tore up agreement texts, Hamanei said, “We sat down and negotiated for years. The same person tore up the agreement after negotiations were over, completed, and signed. Why should we negotiate even though we know he will not abide by the agreement? Therefore, inviting to negotiate and talk about negotiations is deceiving the public.”
Hamaney stated that if Iran intended to possess nuclear weapons, the US could not prevent it, saying, “If the Islamic Republic of Iran had intended to make nuclear weapons, the US could not prevent it. Iran’s choice not to have nuclear weapons.”
In the continuous debates on negotiations with the US within the country, Hamaney mentioned that some ask, “Why don’t you respond? Why don’t you negotiate? Why don’t you sit down with the US?” He said, “Negotiations with this government will not lift sanctions; on the contrary, they will increase problems and tighten the knot of sanctions even more.”
Hamaney stated that the US put forward new demands and excessive requests during negotiations, saying, “I also said in my recent meeting with country officials. The US is presenting new demands and expectations. This situation will only make the problems bigger than they are today. Therefore, negotiations do not solve any problem, do not untie any knot.”
Responding to military threats from the US towards Iran, Hamaney said, “Starting a war and striking unilaterally is not possible. Iran has the capability to strike back and will definitely strike back. US military threats are not wise. If the US and their supporters take a wrong step, they will suffer the most damage. We are not seeking war, but if someone takes such a step, our response will be definite and resolute. Iran has the ability to respond to any kind of attack.”