Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has ruled out any negotiations with U.S. President Donald Trump, calling such discussions neither wise, nor prudent, nor dignified. His statement comes amid renewed tensions between Tehran and Washington following Trump’s executive order reinstating stringent sanctions on Iran.
Speaking before Iranian military forces on Friday, Khamenei warned against U.S. threats and reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to retaliate if provoked. “If they threaten us, we will threaten them. If they act on their threats, we will act on ours,” he said. “If they violate our nation’s security, we will violate theirs. This is our duty, as required by Islam.”
Past Experiences Shape Iran’s Stance
Khamenei cited the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), as a key example of the futility of negotiations with the U.S. He reminded the audience that Iran engaged in prolonged discussions, made significant concessions, and reached an agreement, only for the Trump administration to withdraw from it in 2018 and reimpose sanctions.
“Our government at the time sat with them, went back and forth, negotiated, shook hands, and compromised. Yet, the Americans did not honor the agreement,” Khamenei stated. “Even before Trump officially withdrew from the JCPOA, the previous U.S. administration failed to adhere to its commitments.”
Khamenei emphasized that lessons must be learned from past dealings with the U.S. “Negotiating with such a government is neither rational, nor intelligent, nor honorable,” he asserted.
Emphasis on Domestic Solutions
Addressing the country’s economic and political challenges, Khamenei stressed that Iran must rely on internal solutions rather than external negotiations. He argued that the nation’s problems can only be solved through the determination of committed officials and cooperation from the Iranian people.
“The solution to our problems lies within the country,” he said. “With reliance on domestic resources, we can overcome economic hardships and external pressures.”
A Strong Military Stance
During the event, Iran Air Force commander Brigadier General Hamid Vahedi presented a report on the military’s progress, claiming that the country has achieved “100% self-sufficiency” in defense capabilities and remains “fully ready” for any potential threats.
Khamenei’s remarks were made on the anniversary of the 1979 historic allegiance of the Iranian Air Force to the Islamic Revolution’s leader, Imam Khomeini. The event, which took place at Imam Khomeini’s Hosseiniyeh in downtown Tehran, highlighted the Air Force’s continued loyalty and strength.
Warnings to the U.S.
The Supreme Leader also condemned what he described as U.S. efforts to influence global power dynamics and exert pressure on Iran. He dismissed Washington’s foreign policy strategies as unrealistic and warned against any actions that could destabilize Iran’s security.
“If the U.S. threatens us, we will respond in kind. If they violate our security, we will violate theirs,” he stated firmly.
As tensions persist, Khamenei reaffirmed Iran’s resilience against foreign pressure and underscored the importance of national unity. With the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution’s victory approaching, he called on Iranians to showcase their unity in the upcoming 22 Bahman rally, signaling continued defiance against U.S. policies.
