Imam Ali Khamenei Answers 8 Questions About Nuclear Issues

1) Why did Imam Ali Khamenei accepted the new round of nuclear negotiations?

They [Americans] think that because they imposed sanctions on Iran, it was forced to come to the negotiating table. But this was not the case. Before they said such things, we had announced that the Islamic Republic would negotiate – whenever it thinks it is expedient – with this Satan on specific issues in order to eradicate its evil deeds and solve the problems. This does not mean that the Iranian nation has become desperate. This has never been the case.

2) Does the leader contend with “Nuclear agreement” or not?

If an agreement is made that guarantees the interests of the people of Iran and preserves their dignity, I will support and welcome it one hundred percent. Everyone should know this. If someone says that we are opposed to reaching an agreement, they have not spoken the truth. If an agreement is made which ensures the interests of the people and the country, I will completely approve of it. Of course, we said that no agreement is better than making a bad one. This is what the Americans have said as well. This formula is a correct formula. No agreement is better than making an agreement which ignores the interests of the people, destroys national dignity and humiliates the great people of Iran.

3) Why Imam Ali Khamenei is not optimistic about negotiating with U.S?

I have serious concerns which result from the other side’s deceitfulness, lies and tendency to go back on its promises and move in the wrong direction. The other side is like this. One example is their behavior in the nuclear negotiations. A few hours after our negotiators concluded their negotiations with them, the White House issued a proclamation to explain the results of the negotiations. The proclamation that they issued – they refer to it as a “fact sheet” – was wrong about many things. That is to say, their interpretation of the negotiations and the agreements that have been made is a flawed, wrong and false interpretation. They brought me this proclamation and I read it. It is four, five pages. These four, five pages have not been prepared in the course of two, three hours. In the middle of negotiations, they sat and prepared this proclamation.

4) Does Iran Negotiates with U.S in areas other than nuclear issue?

In the present time, we have no negotiations with America on any other matter. There is no other matter. Everyone should know this. We do not negotiate with the Americans on regional issues, different domestic issues and international issues.

5) When the economic sanctions should be lifted?

In the details of the negotiations, sanctions have to be lifted completely and at once. One side says that sanctions will be lifted in six months. Another says that it may take one year for the sanctions to be lifted. Another says that it make take even more than a year. These are their usual games. They are not worthy of attention and we do not accept them at all.

6) Which method of inspection is acceptable in Iran’s nuclear program?

No unusual method- which treats the Islamic Republic in a special way in terms of supervision- is acceptable. The same usual methods that are used in the world should be used in our country and nothing more.

7) What’s Imam Ali Khamenei’s opinion about Lausanne negotiations?

Some people asked and continue to ask, “Why did he not adopt a position on the nuclear issue?” The answer is that there is no reason to adopt a position. Our nuclear officials and those who are involved in the nuclear negotiations have told us that nothing has been done yet and that no binding agreement has been signed between the two sides. So, what position should I adopt? If they ask me whether I agree or disagree with the initial agreement, my answer is that I neither agree nor disagree because nothing has happened yet. Nothing has been done yet. The main problem is the details that are going to be discussed at length. The officials have said this to us and to the people in their interviews. The main problem is after this stage.

8) Are the details of negotiations under Imam Ali Khamenei’s supervision?

I have not interfered and I will not interfere in the details of the negotiations. I have always pointed out the main guidelines, the important frameworks and the red lines to the officials of the country – particularly to the honorable President. I regularly hold meetings with him. I have also pointed out these issues to the honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs on few occasions. So, I only point out the main and general guidelines to them. I do not touch on the small details that do not interfere with those larger guidelines. These details are within the remit of their responsibilities. It is they who can work on them. If it is said that the details of these negotiations are supervised by the Leadership, this is not correct.