Khamenei on negotiations with US

On the 10 June 2016, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made a significant speech that categorically ruled out negotiations with the United States beyond nuclear issues.

The nuclear deal created a political opening for the West and Iran to engage on regional diplomacy, most urgently and clearly seen through Iran’s inclusion in international talks over the Syrian crisis. Yet almost a year after signing the nuclear deal, there has been little meaningful movement either from Iran or the West to maximize the potential of this opening. Although the nuclear negotiations have taken Iran-US bilateral relations to unprecedented levels, the animosity persists. In his latest speech, the Supreme Leader made a clear connection between the conditions that exist following the nuclear deal and his strong unwillingness for Iran to participate more actively in US-led regional diplomacy. As long as he perceives that the United States is dedicated to the economic and political isolation of the Islamic Republic, Khamenei is likely to hold to this position and therefore limit President Hassan Rouhani’s diplomatic outreach on regional security.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Iran’s elections: a bid to dilute hardliners http://www.europeansources.info/record/irans-elections-a-bid-to-dilute-hardliners/

ESO: Background information: Iran: Council lifts all nuclear-related economic and financial EU sanctions http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-iran-council-lifts-all-nuclear-related-economic-and-financial-eu-sanctions/

ESO: Background information: Iran nuclear: Renewed hopes of deal spark US warning http://www.europeansources.info/record/iran-nuclear-talks-in-final-phase-iran-nuclear-agreement-a-good-deal-for-now/

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