February 7, 2013 - 14:35 AMT
Iran’s supreme leader rejects direct talks with U.S.

Iran's highest authority, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on Thursday, Feb 7 rejected an offer of direct talks made by U.S. Vice President Joe Biden this week saying they would not solve problems, Reuters reported citing Iranian media.

"Some naive people like the idea of negotiating with America, however, negotiations will not solve the problems," Khamenei said in a speech to officials and members of Iran's aerospace force.

"If some people want American rule to be established again in Iran, the nation will rise up to face them," he said.