Iran Demands US End Israel Support as Prerequisite for Diplomatic Cooperation: Khamenei's Conditions

A ceasefire between Iran and Israel has been maintained since June 24.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared on Monday that cooperation with the United States would only be possible if Washington fundamentally altered its regional policies, particularly its support for Israel.

"Cooperation could be considered if they completely abandon support for the Zionist regime, withdraw their military bases from the region, and cease interfering in regional affairs," Khamenei stated.

He added, "The arrogant nature of the United States accepts nothing other than submission."

These comments were made during a gathering with students in Tehran commemorating the anniversary of the 1979 US embassy takeover following the Islamic Revolution that overthrew the Western-backed Shah.

In mid-June, Israel conducted an unprecedented bombing campaign against Iran, sparking a conflict that briefly saw the United States participate with strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

The 12-day war, which prompted Iran to respond with missile and drone strikes, disrupted nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington that had commenced in April.

The ceasefire between Iran and Israel has held since June 24.

"If the country becomes strong and the enemy realizes that confronting this powerful nation will not yield benefits but rather losses, the country will certainly achieve immunity," Khamenei emphasized.

Iran has been struggling under years of international sanctions, particularly after the United States withdrew from the nuclear accord in 2018 and reimposed sanctions.

In September, the United Nations reinstated sanctions under the "snapback" mechanism after Britain, France, and Germany initiated the process.

On Sunday, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Al Jazeera that Tehran remained "ready to enter negotiations" with Washington, but exclusively regarding its nuclear program, ruling out any discussions about its missile capabilities.

He further noted that talks could resume "whenever the Americans are ready to negotiate on an equal footing and based on mutual interests. Apparently, they are not in a hurry. We are not in a hurry either."