Iran's Khamenei bans further negotiations with U.S.October 7, 2015 - 14:20 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei on Wednesday, October 7, banned any further negotiations between Iran and the United States, less than three months after Iran signed a nuclear deal with the West as a result of years of U.S.-led talks, Reuters reports. Khamenei has not publicly endorsed the deal reached with world powers in July, which was a political victory for the moderates led by President Hassan Rouhani. Hardliners inside Iran are still trying to put breaks on the agreement. In an address to Revolutionary Guards Navy commanders, Khamenei said talks with the United States brought only disadvantages to Iran. "Negotiations with the United States open gates to their economic, cultural, political and security influence. Even during the nuclear negotiations they tried to harm our national interests whenever they had a chance," Khamenei was quoted as saying on his website. Khamenei's comments put him at directly at odds with Rouhani, who is hopeful of normalizing relations with the West and who has repeatedly said his government is ready to negotiate "with anyone" to resolve regional issues. The July deal curbs Iran's nuclear program in return for sanctions being lifted. The West feared Tehran was seeking to develop a nuclear weapon, suspicions Iran has denied. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Ucom Celebrates Telecommunication Day May 17 commemorates the founding of the International Telecommunication Union on May 17, 1865. Border residents overnight on highway to protest Armenia’s Residents of Kirants continue to express outrage over the government’s decision to cede land to Azerbaijan. Get Started: An educational platform for young startuppers The Get Started program which operates in two phases is an important platform for young startuppers. Byblos Bank Armenia celebrates Students' Day with scholarship recipients YSU students who received scholarships from Byblos Bank Armenia gathered in a casual setting to meet with the Bank's CEO, Hayk Stepanyan. |