Iran’s spiritual leader ‘Ali Khamanai supports proposed talks between Iranian and American officials concerning the future of Iraq, as long as the United States does not “bully” Iran.
He made this statement while Iran is under immense pressure from the international community, and especially the U.S., over its controversial nuclear program.
U.S. President George W. Bush has also said he favors the talks and added that American officials would show Iran “what’s right or wrong in their activities inside of Iraq.”
”If the Iranian officials can make the U.S. understand some issues about Iraq, there is no problem with the negotiations,” Khamanai said. However, he added that if the talks open an avenue for bullying and imposition by the “deceitful party,” then these talks are forbidden.
No time or place has been set for the talks.
Khamanai, who has the final say in all of Iran’s state matters and is seen as the leader of the hardliners in Iran, made the comments in a speech that was aired on state television.
Both countries have said talks will focus only on stabilizing Iraq, and will not concern Iran’s nuclear program. Iran hopes the talks will help Iraq form a government and help quicken the withdrawal of U.S. troops.
Iran has been referred to the United Nations Security Council over its nuclear program, which the U.S. believes is for military purposes. Iran insists the program has a peaceful aim of generating energy.