Khamene refuses talks with US on nuclear programme

Iran's Supreme Leader, Ajatolah Ali Khamenei, ruled out the possibility of negotiations with Washington regarding Tehran's nuclear and missile programme.

Khamenei named the US “Iran's main enemy”.

“The brutal sanctions of America against Iran are aimed at destroying our economy... Their goal is to limit our influence in the region and to curb our missile and nuclear capabilities”, Khamenei said in a live broadcast speech on state television.

Supporting our national capabilities and reducing our dependence on oil exports will help us resist pressure from America”, Khamenei said.

Tensions between Washington and Tehran are on the rise, since US President Donald Trump has withdrawn the US from an agreement between Iran and world powers in May 2018.

With that agreement, Iran has pledged to curb its nuclear activities in exchange for easing sanctions.

Trump has named the deal, which was signed in 2015 by his predecessor, Barack Obama, as the worst “ever”.

Washington has subsequently imposed strict sanctions on Iran. In response, Iran has gradually begun to violate its nuclear commitments.

The Trump administration says it wants Tehran to negotiate a broader agreement, further curb its nuclear activity, prevent its missile programme and limit the regional influence of the Islamic Republic. /rel/