Khamenei says Europe can’t save nuclear deal

Supreme leader insists country will not negotiate with ‘indecent’ US officials

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei yesterday cast doubt on the ability of European countries to save Iran’s 2015 nuclear accord with world powers, now under threat following a US withdrawal, and said Tehran might abandon the agreement.

Khamenei cautioned President Hassan Rouhani not to rely too much on European support as he came under increased pressure at home over his handling of the economy in the face of US sanctions, with key ministers under attack by parliament.

But in his comments published on his official website Khamenei told Rouhani and his cabinet yesterday: “There is no problem with negotiations and keeping contact with the Europeans, but you should give up hope on them over economic issues or the nuclear deal.”

National interests

“The nuclear deal is a means, not the goal, and if we come to this conclusion that it does not serve our national interests, we can abandon it,” Khamenei was quoted as saying.

“Naturally, if we reach the conclusion that it is no longer maintaining our national interests, we will put it aside.”

Khamenei set out a series of conditions in May for European powers if they wanted to keep Tehran in the deal. They included steps by European banks to safeguard trade with Tehran and guarantee Iranian oil sales. “We must examine their promises with scepticism,” he added.

Khamenei said talks should continue with Europe, which is trying to salvage the 2015 agreement despite the withdrawal of the United States.

Speaking at the same meeting yesterday, Khamenei said Tehran would not negotiate with “indecent and confrontational” US officials to reach a new agreement on its nuclear programme because Washington “wants to boast they managed to bring Iran to the negotiation table”.

Khamenei told Rouhani and his cabinet to work “day and night” to solve the mounting economic problems which include the collapse of the rial currency and surging unemployment.

But at the same time he appeared to call on parliament not to press too much on Rouhani who has been severely grilled over economic performance. Officials should unite against US pressure, he said.

Khamenei cautioned .... Rouhani not to rely too much on European support as he came under pressure at home over his handling of the economy.