Iran’s Supreme Leader states that relations with the US cannot happen as long as US is supportive of Israel.

On Monday, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated that there can be “no cooperation” between Iran and the US while the US “supports the Zionist regime” and continues “military interventions” through the region. These comments by Khamenei come amidst the increased pressure being applied by the Trump administration on Iran. State media quoted Khamenei, “The Americans sometimes say they would like to cooperate with Iran. Cooperation with Iran is not possible as long as the U.S. continues to support the accursed Zionist regime, maintains military bases, and interferes in the region.” Last month, Trump reiterated offers made by other US officials, claiming the US’s “hand of friendship and cooperation” would be extended in support of a deal with Iran. In the lead up to the 12-day war between Iran and Israel in June, which the US joined by striking Iranian nuclear military sites, the two countries had completed five rounds of nuclear negotiations. The Iranian refusal to cease uranium enrichment and the increased expectation of the Western powers has been positioned as a major roadblock in negotiations, further leading to increased nuclear weapon fears and Tehran’s alienation.