Stand Firm: Why Negotiating with a Deceptive U.S. Government is Not an Option

In recent statements, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, emphasized the unwise nature of negotiating with the United States government. His remarks shed light on Iran’s past experiences with negotiations and the subsequent consequences that followed.

During a meeting on Friday, Ayatollah Khamenei reflected on the historical context of Iran’s dealings with the U.S., particularly highlighting the events of the 2010s. He stated:

“Negotiating with America will solve no problem. Proof? [Past] experience!”

He pointed out that despite Iran making substantial concessions during previous agreements, the U.S. ultimately failed to uphold its end of the deal:

• Non-compliance: “The Americans did not comply with that very agreement.”
• Breach of Trust: “The very same person who is now in office [in the United States] tore up the agreement.”
• Unfulfilled Promises: “The agreement was meant for America’s sanctions to be removed. They were not removed!”

Ayatollah Khamenei underscored the significance of learning from these experiences, stating:

“One shall not negotiate with a government like this; negotiating [with it] is unwise, not intelligent, not honorable.”

Despite acknowledging the economic challenges faced by Iran, the Leader maintained that solutions lie within the country:

“As for their livelihood, nearly most echelons of the population have certain afflictions…; however, what resolves those problems is a domestic element.”

He further emphasized the importance of cooperation among officials and the nation:

“[And] the domestic element comprises of efforts by responsible officials and the cooperation of the nation united.”

Ayatollah Khamenei expressed optimism regarding the current administration’s efforts to alleviate these challenges:

“I am very hopeful that… this respectable administration will be able to at least ease people’s livelihood problems.”

During his address to commanders and airmen from the Iranian Army’s Air Force and Air Defense Force in Tehran, the Leader clarified that Iran is not opposed to negotiations in general:

“The only exception here is America. Of course, we don’t count the Israeli regime as an exception — because that regime is not a government to begin with and is rather a criminal and land-usurping gang.”

Addressing broader geopolitical tensions, Ayatollah Khamenei remarked on the nature of American threats:

“The Americans are sitting [behind their desks] changing the map of the world on paper. Of course, it is only on paper, it has no reality to it.”

He concluded with a clear message regarding Iran’s stance on threats:

“If they threaten us [verbally], we will threaten them. If they actuate that threat, we will actuate ours. If they violate our nation’s security, we will violate their security without a doubt.”