Iran’s supreme leader rejects talks with US over regional issues

"The Americans are insisting that we hold talks with them on the West Asian issues, specially Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen; what is their real objective behind these demands for talks? They have no goal but preventing the Islamic Republic of Iran's presence in the region as the main cause of the US failures," Khamenei said in a meeting with the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) commanders and officials in Tehran on Sept. 18, Fars news agency reported.

Stressing that negotiations with the US bear no fruit, but harm for Iran, Khamenei said such talks are only meant to open the path for the US influence in Iran.

"Wisdom requires that we mistrust completely those who have clearly displayed their animosity," he added.

Khamenei underlined that "one of the most important parts of the Islamic Republic's soft power is its complete distrust of the hegemonic powers, headed by the US", and said this mistrust should increase day by day.

He further rejected claims that nuclear talks helped defuse threats against Iran, stressing that the "enemies” have given up threats against Iran because of its "defensive and military power" and their fear of the outcome of any belligerent act against the Islamic Republic.

Owing to the same fact, he said, Iran's defense and military power should be promoted in future.

Khamenei also underscored the necessity for the Iranian officials' vigilance against enemies' plots to influence and impose their hegemony on the country.