On Tuesday evening, three chairs presiding over key government branches, government officials and a group of senior managers from various sectors; as well as political, social and cultural representatives met with the Leader of the Revolution. Ayatollah Khamenei touched on three major concerns facing Iran today, two of which were job development and recession; and the JCPOA, in which he took a firm stand against US hostility in regards to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
While the meeting was in session, Ayatollah Khamenei described recession and unemployment as two central problems facing the country: he clarified that increasing the country’s fundamental potentials will lead to the nation’s immunity and power. Ayatollah Khamenei reiterated, “I have often said that the country must grow in power and that we must promote our potentialities, it’s only then that Iranian officials can expect the nation to have peace of mind.”
Additionally, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution mentioned threats spewed by US presidential hopefuls in effort to scrap last year’s nuclear agreement; known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), between Iran and the P5+1 group of countries; thus, the Islamic Republic will strongly respond to any such move. “The agenda of the enemy today is to stop or eliminate the capabilities of the Islamic Republic or at least to prevent their growth. We will not violate the JCPOA, but if the opposite side violates it - US presidential candidates are currently threatening to rip up the JCPOA - if they tear it, we will burn it,” the Leader stated. He went on to say that the US has, so far, failed to fulfill a major part of its obligations under the JCPOA: however, Iran has abided by its commitments regarding its 20 percent uranium enrichment; as well as Fordow and Arak nuclear facilities. The Supreme Leader also brought to light the following concerns: “Under the JCPOA, the other side was duty-bound to lift the sanctions, which it has not done. The banking issues have not been solved. The issue of the insurance on oil tankers is implemented but at a limited level. Oil payments owed and our assets, which we have in other countries, have not been returned to us.”
The Leader emphasized, “It is a misconception that we [the Islamic Republic] can come to terms with the US: We cannot rely on illusions. US animosity towards Iran stems from its opposition with the very existence of the Islamic Republic and that won’t be settled through negotiations. Some individuals think their animosity is due to our opposition of the United States. But what did the Islamic Republic ever do to France? Why did France play the role of the “bad police” during the nuclear talks and why do the governments of the Netherlands and Canada practice hostility towards us?” Fortunately, Iran has the capability to return to its previous status; we can- if we deem necessary- obtain a hundred thousand SWUs in less than a year and a half, thanks to the new generation centrifuges; the other side should not assume our hands are tied.”
“There are fractures and breaks within the JCPOA, which if taken care of, the deficiencies of the deal would be settled or decreased,” said the Leader. Finally, His eminence Ayatollah Khamenei praised the Iranian team of nuclear negotiators for their efforts and stressed, “What we have indicated in terms of the JCPOA is, by no means, directed at the efforts of our dear brothers, but at evaluating the performance of the other party.”
Click here to read the full text to the speech.
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