Artist: Behnam Mohammadi
By Kayhan Life Staff
On Jan. 8, Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, criticized those advocating for negotiations with the US, claiming they are “intimidated by American policies.”
In a speech to supporters in Qom, he expressed that Washington harbors resentment over Iran’s loss as an ally 46 years ago. He claimed, “During the reign of the Pahlavi monarchy, Iran served as a stronghold for American interests.” He stated, “The Iranian people have chosen officials to prioritize their interests, not those of the United States,” warning against placing U.S. interests above Iran’s.
The following day, however, the conservative newspaper Jomhuriyeh Eslami supported negotiations. The publication stated, “There should be no hesitation about engaging in talks, nor should we give in to the propaganda of extremist factions who seek to undermine negotiations for their agendas.”
Khamenei’s remarks come as the theocratic regime faces challenges both regionally and domestically, particularly after the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria, which has weakened Tehran’s influence in the Middle East.
