Supreme leader says “deterrent weapons” are necessity as US-Iran tensions continue

After the second round of talks between the U.S. and Iran ended without a deal to curtail Tehran’s nuclear program Tuesday, Iranian officials have spoken out against U.S. President Donald Trump. Though Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi revealed the nations agreed on “guiding principles” for future talks, he suggested Wednesday that the U.S. should stop threatening Iran with military force immediately – half a year after U.S. B-2 stealth bombers decimated dozens of Iran’s nuclear targets. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian doubled down on claims that the country is “in no way seeking nuclear weapons,” and offered, again, any “form of verification.” The U.S. has long accused Iran of plotting to build nuclear weapons, whereas, Pezeshkian says, the intent is to use nuclear energy in a peaceful and beneficial matter for the Iranian people. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had a different tone, calling “deterrent weapons” a necessity for Iranian defence. He further sent a warning to the Trump administration – which has repeatedly suggested a “regime change” – saying their military “will not be able” to depose Iran.

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