We Don't Need Anyone's Permission: Their Behavior is Clear - Ali Khamenei

The Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, doubts that negotiations with the United States will be effective in resolving the crisis surrounding Tehran's nuclear program, reports TASS.

“Both at that time (under former Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi) and now, negotiations are conducted through intermediaries, but without results. Currently, we do not believe that they will lead to any outcomes. It is unclear what will happen next,” Khamenei is quoted by his press service.

According to the leader of the Islamic Republic, demanding that Iran stop uranium enrichment is a major mistake. “I want to warn the opposing side — the U.S. representatives who are participating in these negotiations through intermediaries — try not to speak nonsense. Telling Iran that you will not allow it to enrich uranium is a major mistake. We do not need anyone’s permission. Next time, I will explain to the people of Iran why the Americans are so focused on uranium enrichment, why the West, the U.S., and others insist so stubbornly that the enrichment process be halted in Iran. Their behavior is clear,” said Khamenei.

It should be added that Washington had previously stated that Tehran should abandon uranium enrichment and limit its nuclear program. Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that the authorities of the Islamic Republic are ready to discuss the limits and levels of uranium enrichment with the U.S. if sanctions are lifted. At the same time, they emphasized that they would never agree to halt the nuclear program, as the right to peaceful nuclear energy is guaranteed for all countries that have signed the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Tehran was among the first to join the treaty.