Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 9
By Umid Niayesh - Trend:
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei says that he is neither against nor supportive of the nuclear framework deal, achieved on April 2.
"Some ask why I haven't announced my position about the deal, but as the officials have told me, no binding deal has been achieven, so there is no need for me to express my stance on it," Khamenei said.
Iran's supreme leader said that the essential matters are in the details of the comprehensive nuclear deal, which is expected to be achieved by June 30, IRNA reported Apr.9.
"Any congratulations for the framework deal is meaningless," Khamenei said.
Khamenei said that he hasn't been optimistic about the nuclear negotiations, but he has been supportive of them, and will continue to support Iran's nuclear negotiating team.
"I agree with a deal that will preserve Iran's national interests," he said. "But a disagreement is better if the agreement would mean damaging the country's national interests and honor."
He added that Iran will not sign any nuclear agreement with the P5+1 group, if all the sanctions are not lifted on the first day after the deal signed.
Iran and the 5+1 (the US, UK, France, Russia, China, and Germany) reached a framework agreement after eight days of intensive talks in Lausanne over the Islamic Republic's disputed nuclear program.
The sides have decided to strike a comprehensive deal by June 30, which would on one hand limit Tehran's nuclear activities, and on the other remove international sanctions on Iran.
Khamenei said that what has been achieved so far doesn't guarantee neither the deal itself, nor the accomplished nuclear talks between between Iran and P5+1.