Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has said the United States will never succeed in overthrowing the Islamic Republic, escalating rhetoric as tensions rise between Tehran and Washington.
Iran International reported that, speaking at a meeting in East Azerbaijan province on Tuesday, Khamenei responded to recent remarks by Donald Trump, who suggested that regime change in Iran “would be the best thing that could happen.”
“For 47 years, America has not been able to eliminate the Islamic Republic. That is a good admission,” Khamenei said. “You will not be able to do this.”
He also pushed back against claims of US military superiority, warning that even the world's strongest army could suffer severe setbacks.
“They say they have sent an aircraft carrier toward Iran. Very well, an aircraft carrier is a dangerous device — but more dangerous is the weapon that can send it to the bottom of the sea,” he said.
Talks Continue Amid Threats
Khamenei accused Washington of trying to dominate Iran through threats and preconditions for negotiations, particularly over Tehran's nuclear programme.
“They say let us negotiate about your nuclear energy, and the result should be that you do not have this energy,” he said.
“Determining the result of negotiations in advance is wrong and foolish.”
His remarks come as a new round of indirect talks between Iran and the US, mediated by Oman, is underway in Geneva.
Media reports informed that Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One, said he would be involved “indirectly” in the discussions and described them as “very important.”
“I think they want to make a deal,” Trump said. “I don't think they want the consequences of not making a deal.” He added that Iran could have reached an agreement earlier “instead of sending the B-2s in to knock out their nuclear potential.”
Washington has repeatedly warned that it could use military force if Tehran refuses to curb its nuclear activities.
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