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 Ayatollah Ali Khamenei gave no further details in a speech to a
paramilitary group aimed at both placating hardliners and showing
his backing for the Iranian officials preparing to meet with
international negotiators in Geneva later Wednesday. But his mention
of Iran's "nuclear rights" was widely interpreted as a reference to
uranium enrichment.
Western diplomats reported progress a during previous round of talks
in Geneva. They now hope to reach an accord that would halt Iran's
nuclear efforts while negotiators pursue a more comprehensive
agreement that would ensure that Tehran's program is solely for
civilian purposes. Iran would get some sanctions relief under such a
first-step deal, without any easing of the most harsh measures —
those crippling its ability to sell oil, its main revenue maker.
Iran has suggested it could curb its highest-known level of
enrichment — at 20 percent — in a possible deal that could ease the
U.S.-led economic sanctions.
But Iranian leaders have made clear that their country will not
consider giving up its ability to make nuclear fuel — the
centerpiece of the talks since the same process used to make reactor
stock can be used to make weapons-grade material.
Khamenei said he would not "interfere in the details of the talks,"
in a clear nod of support for the government of Iranian President
Hassan Rouhani, which has opened historic exchanges with the U.S.
However, Khamenei also said the main goal is "stabilization of the
rights of the Iranian nation, including nuclear rights."
"There are red lines. There are limits. These limits must be
observed," the supreme leader told a gathering of the Basij force,
which is controlled by Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard. "We have
told the authorities, and they are required to observe the limits
and should not fear the blusters of the enemies and opponents."
Khamenei also blasted what he called the U.S. government's
"warmongering" policies, including threats of military action, and
he said sanctions cannot force unwanted concessions by Iran. At the
same time, Khamenei said that his country has "no animosity'" toward
the American people and seeks "friendly" relations.
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"Instead of using threats, go and repair your devastated economy so
that your government is not shut down for 15 or 16 days," he said in
a reference to the recent U.S. government closure amid a
congressional budget standoff. "Go and pay your debts."
His complex message reflected Iran's internal divisions over the
nuclear talks and outreach to the United States, which broke ties
with Iran after hostage-takers stormed the U.S. Embassy compound in
Tehran in 1979 the wake of the Islamic Revolution.
President Barack Obama also faces opposition to a deal from Israel,
Saudi Arabia and critics in the U.S. Congress, who say an envisaged
first-step deal would give Iran too much in the way of sanctions
relief for too little in the way of concessions. They argue that
Iran can't be trusted. Obama and his national security team counter
that the risk is worth taking because the alternative is war no one
wants.
On Wednesday, delegations arrived in Geneva for internal
consultations ahead of a full round of talks between Iran and six
nations: the U.S., Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany.
[Associated
Press; GEORGE JAHN and
JOHN HEILPRIN]
Associated Press writers
Ali Akbar Dareini in Tehran and Brian Murphy in Dubai contributed.
Copyright 2013 The Associated
Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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