Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei addressed the nation in a televised speech, emphasizing that Iran's current national unity mirrors that demonstrated during the June 13-14 protests this year. He stated that the massive crowds and their slogans against Israel and the United States during those days demonstrated the nation's cohesion, which continues to exist and will persist, though everyone bears responsibility for maintaining and strengthening it.
According to the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), reporting from the Supreme Leader's office website on Tuesday evening, Khamenei delivered his remarks focusing on three main themes: the importance of national unity during what he termed the "12-day war" and the country's future, the significance of uranium enrichment, and Iran's firm position against American threats.
The Supreme Leader rejected the possibility of negotiations with the United States, describing such talks as "completely futile" and harmful to national interests. He argued that accepting negotiations under threat would signal Iran's submission and fear, leading to endless demands from Washington. Khamenei specifically criticized US demands for Iran to cease uranium enrichment activities, stating that Iran has achieved significant progress in this field and will not abandon it.
Referencing the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) experience, Khamenei noted that despite Iran fulfilling its obligations under the 2015 nuclear agreement, the United States withdrew from the deal and failed to deliver on its promises regarding sanctions relief. He characterized this as evidence of American untrustworthiness in negotiations.
The Supreme Leader emphasized that Iran's path forward lies in strengthening itself across all dimensions - military, scientific, governmental, and organizational. He concluded by stating that Iran will not surrender to pressure and that national unity remains the country's strongest asset against external threats.