13.03.2025 07:41
Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei reacted strongly to U.S. President Trump's statements indicating a willingness to negotiate with Iran. Khamenei described Trump's calls as an "attempt to deceive world public opinion." Addressing the issue of nuclear weapons, Khamenei stated, "If we want, we can produce nuclear weapons. The U.S. cannot stop us." Khamenei also responded to the U.S. threats against Iran.
The Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei met with university students in the capital Tehran due to the month of Ramadan. In his speech during the meeting, Khamenei pointed out the changes that have occurred this year compared to last year's gathering.
"IT IS NOT TRUE TO THINK THAT IRAN IS WEAKENING"
Referring to the loss of figures such as former President Ibrahim Raisi, Hezbollah Leader Hassan Nasrallah, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, and Yahya Sinwar, who died in a helicopter crash, Khamenei stated, "They are not with us this year. Their absence is a great loss for us, but this situation has not weakened us. It is not correct to think that Iran is weakening due to the absence of these valuable figures. I confidently tell you that although the absence of these brothers is a great loss, we are stronger in some matters this year than last year. At least we are not weaker."
"WHY IS IRAN NOT WILLING TO NEGOTIATE? TAKE A LOOK AT YOURSELF"
Khamenei criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's statements about being ready to negotiate with Iran, saying, "The U.S. President's statement that we are ready to negotiate with Iran and his invitation to negotiate is a deception of world public opinion. This means we are in favor of negotiation and want negotiation and peace, but Iran is not willing. Why is Iran not willing to negotiate? Take a look at yourself."
"NEGOTIATING IS DECEIVING THE PUBLIC"
Khamenei also referred to past negotiations with the U.S., stating, "We sat down and negotiated for years. The same person tore up the agreement after the negotiations were finished, completed, and signed. Why should we negotiate when we know they will not comply with the agreement? Therefore, inviting to negotiate and talking about negotiation is deceiving the public."
"IRAN'S CHOICE NOT TO HAVE NUCLEAR WEAPONS"
Addressing Iran's stance on nuclear weapons, Khamenei stated that his country could possess nuclear weapons if it wanted to, saying, "If the Islamic Republic of Iran intended to make nuclear weapons, the U.S. could not prevent it. Iran's choice not to have nuclear weapons is its own decision."
"THE U.S. WILL NOT LIFT SANCTIONS THROUGH NEGOTIATIONS"
Khamenei also touched on the ongoing discussions about negotiating with the U.S. within the country, saying, "Some constantly ask, 'Why don't you respond? Why don't you negotiate? Why don't you sit down with the U.S.?' However, negotiations with this government will not lift the sanctions; on the contrary, it will exacerbate the problems and tighten the knot of sanctions even more."
Khamenei noted that the U.S. has put forward new demands and excessive requests during negotiations, stating, "I mentioned this in a meeting with country officials a few days ago. The U.S. is making new demands and expectations. This situation will make the problems even bigger than they are today. Therefore, negotiation will not solve any problems or untie any knots."
"IRAN HAS THE CAPACITY TO RESPOND TO ATTACKS"
Responding to U.S. threats of military action against Iran, Khamenei said, "It is not possible to start a war and strike unilaterally. Iran has the capacity to strike back and will definitely do so. The U.S. threats of military action are not wise. If the U.S. and their supporters take a wrong step, they will be the ones who suffer the most. We are not seeking war, but if someone takes such a step, our response will be definite and resolute. Iran has the capacity to respond to any kind of attack."
TRUMP'S CALL FOR NEGOTIATION WITH IRAN AND THREATS
In an interview with Fox Business Network on March 7, Trump revealed that he had sent a letter to Iranian leader Khamenei.
Trump stated, "I wrote them a letter saying, 'I hope you negotiate because if we have to go in militarily, it will be a terrible thing.'"
Khamenei, in a speech on March 8, expressed that the U.S. does not want to solve problems with its request for negotiation but rather wants to impose its demands and establish dominance, stating that Iran will not accept this.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also mentioned in his speech yesterday regarding Trump's threats, "I will not negotiate with you because you threatened me. Do whatever you want."
Finally, Enver Gargaş, the Diplomatic Advisor to the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), who arrived in Tehran in the evening, met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and delivered Trump's letter.