"The JCPOA (the nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) is a means, not the goal, and if we come to this conclusion that it cannot serve [our] national interests, we will leave it," the Leader in a meeting with President Hassan Rouhani and members of his cabinet in Tehran on Wednesday.
Ayatollah Khamenei also said Iran would not negotiate with the current brazen and irreverent US officials at any level to reach a new agreement on its nuclear program.
The result of negotiations with previous US officials who at least saved faces was this. Now what negotiation can we have with the current brazen and irreverent US officials who are openly threatening the Iranians? Therefore, no negotiation at any level will be held with the Americans. The Leader pointed out.
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="650"]
Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei (L) meets with President Hassan Rouhani (2nd-L) and his cabinet in Tehran on August 29, 2018. (Photo by khamenei.ir)[/caption]The Leader said the Americans seek to maneuver to drag Iran to the negotiation table for their own advantage, but Tehran will hold no talks with them.
Ayatollah Khamenei noted that Tehran should not pin its hope on Europe over different issues, be it the JCPOA or the economy, saying officials should be suspicious about the Europeans promises.
Europeans should understand from the deeds and words of Iranian government officials that their actions will prompt appropriate measures and reactions from the Islamic Republic of Iran, he noted.
Elsewhere in his remarks, the Leader touched on the issue of economy and called on the Iranian administration to work profusely to solve the economic problems facing the nation.
With regards to the economy, there is need for full force, large-scale and proficient work; and authorities in charge of economic affairs must work hard day and night to resolve the problems, he said.
Ayatollah Khamenei said the enemy has been focusing its attention on Irans economy due to certain economic weaknesses in the country, reiterating that in dealing with economic woes officials need to concentrate on the policies of the resistance economy that is based on domestic production.
The policies of the resistance economy will help Iran build a stronghold and boost capabilities against the enemy and will move forward, the Leader said, adding that the resistance economy that revolves around domestic production can act as both an offensive and defensive tool.
Before the Leaders speech, Rouhani gave a report about his administrations measures over the past five years, including in the economy.
He also criticized the US for re-imposing sanctions against Iran in contravention of all international regulations and said Washington commits to nothing.
He said that the USs re-imposition of sanctions on Iran is not aimed at the countrys economy only, arguing Washington is seeking to dominate the country once again.
They seek to trample on Irans economy once again and rule over the Iranians, but the Iranian nation will by no means submit to this and will prove it to the world through resistance, he added.
