Iran's Supreme Leader not optimistic about upcoming nuclear talksFebruary 17, 2014 - 14:35 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Monday, Feb 17, he is not optimistic about upcoming nuclear talks with world powers but was not opposed to them, according to Reuters. Iran and world powers, grouped under the so-called "5+1," reached an interim deal last November whereby Tehran agreed to suspend for six months parts of its nuclear enrichment operations in return for modest sanctions relief. The two sides hope to build on those gains in Tuesday's talks in Vienna. "I have said before ... I am not optimistic about the negotiations. It will not lead anywhere, but I am not opposed either," state-run IRNA news agency quoted Khamenei as telling a large crowd during a visit to the northwestern Iranian city of Tabriz. "What our foreign ministry and officials have started will continue and Iran will not violate its (pledge) ... but I say again that this is of no use and will not lead anywhere." Khamenei, who has the final say in state affairs, has given guarded support to efforts by President Hassan Rouhani, a relative moderate, to negotiate a way out of the nuclear impasse, which has led to international economic sanctions against Iran. Western countries, led by the United States, suspect Iran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons. Iran says its nuclear program is entirely for civilian purposes. Related links: 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 | Court in Azerbaijan extends former Karabakh leader’s arrest by 5 months The Binagadi District Court in Azerbaijan has granted the prosecutor’s petition to extend the arrest of Arkady Ghukasyan. Ucom General Director joins High-Tech Development Panel Discussion The discussion was titled "The Role of International Corporations and Investors as Catalysts for Development of High-Tech Ecosystem." U.S. still believes “peace is possible” between Armenia, Azerbaijan The United States continues to believe that peace is possible between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Vedant Patel says. Dozens detained as antigovernment protest continue in Armenia At least 63 people demanding Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation were detained on May 14 as they blocked streets in Yerevan. |