Iranian Supreme Leader Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei says that his nation is not opposed to holding direct talks with the United States about its nuclear program, the first time he suggested such talks were a possibility.
The last time he commented on talks, he downplayed the reports of “progress” in nuclear talks, insisting that he doubted Western nations were really open to making substantial concessions.
In today’s comments he remained skeptical, saying he doubts that bilateral talks with the US would yield any results so long as the administration keeps adding sanctions.
Khamenei says that there have been US messages delivered to Iran in the past about such talks, but that the messages suggested they only wanted to demand Iran give in to all US demands, adding “this is not dialogue.” He also said he is concerned the US wants to just leave the issue unresolved so they can keep adding sanctions.
