Iran Rejects Talks With US Over Missile Range and Regional Influence Restrictions- wna24
Tehran: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said he rejected a US push for talks between the two countries because they would be aimed at imposing restrictions on Iranian missile range and its influence in the region.
Speaking to a group of officials on Saturday, Khamenei did not identify the United States by name but said a “bullying government” was being persistent in its push for talks. He added that “Their talks are not aimed at solving problems,.. let’s talk to impose what we want on the other party that is sitting on the opposite side of the table.”
Khamenei’s remarks followed Trump’s acknowledgment of sending a letter to seek a new deal with Tehran, aiming to curb its advancing nuclear program and replace the previous nuclear deal.
Khamenei said that in the talks US’ demands would be both military (limiting missile ranges) and related to curbing regional influence of Iran, “They will be about defense capabilities, about international capabilities of the country. (They will urge Iran) not to do (certain) things, not to meet some certain people, not to go to a certain place, not to produce some items, your missile range should not be more than a certain distance.”
“Is it possible for anybody to accept these?” he added.
Khamenei is the leader who has final say on all state matters, he said that talk of this nature would not address solving problems between Iran and the West.
Though Khamenei did not name any person or country, he said the push for talks creates pressure on Iran in public opinion. “It is not negotiation. It is commanding and imposition,” he said.
Trump, in comments to reporters on Friday, did not directly mention the letter to Khamenei but hinted at possible military action, saying, “We have a situation with Iran that, something’s going to happen very soon. Very, very soon.”
This remark comes amid escalating tensions, with both Israel and the US warning that Iran will not be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon.
The growing fear of military confrontation rises as Tehran continues to enrich uranium to near weapons-grade levels, a process associated with nuclear-armed nations.