Iran will continue on with its Quranic obligation to fight against the US and West, Iran’s leader stated.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP)
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stressed that the Islamic Republic would continue to view the US as a foe and would not change its belligerent foreign policy, irrespective of the results of the ongoing nuclear negotiations between the two sides.
Khamenei said in an interview published by the Iranian Fars News agency Saturday night that Iran would not give up its campaign against the “arrogant powers” following a nuclear deal, as such a struggle is dictated by the Quran. Iran could never stop the struggle against the arrogant powers and still be called the Islamic Republic, he added.
“Campaign against the arrogant powers and hegemonic system is one of the tenets and essence of the [Islamic] revolution,” he said, and cautioned, “we would not be subordinate to the Quran if we stop campaign against the arrogance.”
The Iranian leader added that “the US is the complete instance of arrogance”.
“Get yourselves ready for continuing the campaign against the arrogance,” Ayatollah Khamenei reiterated.
His remarks come as Tehran and the six world powers are in the final days of marathon talks which have blown past two extensions and entered the 16th day of the current round on Sunday.
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif complained that change in the stances of the P5+1 and the “West’s excessive demands” have prevented attainment of a nuclear deal.
Zarif called on the US-led powers to make up their minds and choose between striking a final deal and keeping the sanctions in place.
The nuclear talks in Vienna have again been postponed until Monday, with conflicting reports emerging from the talks on possible progress, while other reports indicate that significant differences still remain between the negotiating parties.
US Secretary of State John Kerry warned on Thursday that the Americans were ready to leave.
Iranians chant “Down with America” and “Death to Israel”
Iranians burn American and Israeli flags on Quds Day. (AP/Vahid Salemi)
Khamenei’s remarks came after tens of thousands of Iranians chanted “Down with America” and “Death to Israel” during annual pro-Palestinian rallies nationwide on Friday.
“If you drive the talks into a dead end then it will be you who will be committing a strategic mistake,” Iran’s parliament speaker Ali Larijani said at Friday prayers following the rally in Tehran, addressing the US. “And its outcome will not benefit you since Iran’s nuclear staff are ready to accelerate nuclear technology at a higher speed than before.”
At the rally, protesters wrapped America, British, Israeli and Saudi flags around pillars and set them ablaze.
Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran has observed “Al-Quds Day” during the Muslim month of Ramadan.
Iran does not recognize Israel, has repeatedly threatened its existance and supports anti-Israeli terror groups like Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
By: United with Israel Staff
AP contributed to this report.
Sign the Petition to Stop a Nuclear Iran
The US Congress must ensure that sanctions against Iran remain in force until the nuclear threat is completely eliminated.
I strongly oppose easing sanctions before the nuclear threat from Iran has been eliminated. Allowing Iran to enrich uranium without being subject to 'anytime, anywhere' inspections is extremely dangerous and unacceptable. Iran's nuclear program must be stopped.
See our Privacy Policy