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 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". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Russia warns Armenia against “falling into West’s trap” Zakharova maintained, however, that anything that will benefit the people of Armenia can only be welcomed. CSTO: Armenia has not participated in secretariat’s work recently Recently Armenia has not participated in the work of the secretariat of the CSTO, Imangali Tasmagambetov said. Meeting with U.S., EU not against third parties, says Armenia The meeting scheduled for April 5 is dedicated to strengthening of the Armenia-EU-US cooperation, Yerevan added. Ucom launches network modernization efforts in few regions of Armenia In particular, on March 28, the legacy Mobile Switching Subsystem will be replaced with a new one. |