Khamenei backs nuke talks with conditions

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Ahead of a new round of Iran nuclear talks, the country’s supreme leader voiced support on Wednesday for the negotiations, but he insisted there are limits to concessions that Iran will make in exchange for an easing of sanctions choking its economy.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei gave no further details in a speech to a paramilitary group aimed at both placating hardliners and showing his backing for the Iranian officials preparing to meet with international negotiators in Geneva later Wednesday. But his mention of Iran’s ‘nuclear rights’ was widely interpreted as a reference to uranium enrichment.
Western diplomats reported progress a during previous round of talks in Geneva. They now hope to reach an accord that would halt Iran’s nuclear efforts while negotiators pursue a more comprehensive agreement that would ensure that Tehran’s program is solely for civilian purposes. Iran would get some sanctions relief under such a first-step deal, without any easing of the most harsh measures — those crippling its ability to sell oil, its main revenue maker.
Iran has suggested it could curb its highest-known level of enrichment — at 20 per cent — in a possible deal that could ease the US-led economic sanctions.
But Iranian leaders have made clear that their country will not consider giving up its ability to make nuclear fuel — the centerpiece of the talks since the same process used to make reactor stock can be used to make weapons-grade material.
Khamenei said he would not ‘interfere in the details of the talks,’ in a clear nod of support for the government of Iranian president Hassan Rouhani, which has opened historic exchanges with the US However, Khamenei also said the main goal is ‘stabilisation of the rights of the Iranian nation, including nuclear rights.’
‘There are red lines. There are limits. These limits must be observed,’ the supreme leader told a gathering of the Basij force, which is controlled by Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guard. ‘We have told the authorities, and they are required to observe the limits and should not fear the blusters of the enemies and opponents.’