Hamaney delivers a nationwide televised speech! More details revealed about Iran's two main negotiation "red lines"

According to Reference News, Agence France-Presse reported on February 9 that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei called on the country’s people to demonstrate “determination” on the upcoming 47th anniversary of the Iranian Islamic Revolution.

In a nationwide televised speech, Khamenei said that since the victory of the Iranian Islamic Revolution in 1979, “foreign forces have been trying to restore the previous situation,” referring to Iran’s dependence on the United States during the Pahlavi era.

The Supreme Leader stated, “The strength of the nation comes not so much from missiles and airplanes, but from the will and perseverance of the people.” He added, “We hope the Iranian people will once again demonstrate this will and defeat the enemies.”

According to CCTV News, on February 9 local time, the U.S. issued the latest guidelines for merchant ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The guidance from the U.S. Maritime Administration recommends that “merchant ships flying the U.S. flag should stay as far away as possible from Iranian territorial waters and verbally refuse to comply if approached by Iranian forces—if Iranian forces board, crew should not resist forcibly.”

It has been three days since the first round of nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran concluded in Oman on the 6th. As of now, the date and location of the second round of negotiations remain unclear.

Image source: CCTV News

After the first round of talks on the 6th, Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian disclosed two core “red lines” in negotiations with the U.S., namely:

1. The right to uranium enrichment must not be deprived;

2. Missile programs are non-negotiable.

On the 9th, Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization Chairman Ali Akbar Salehi further clarified issues related to uranium enrichment and released more details. Salehi stated for the first time that Iran can dilute enriched uranium, but only if all sanctions against Iran are lifted.

According to reports, when asked whether it is possible to dilute 60% enriched uranium, Salehi responded that it depends on whether the other side “conditions lifting all sanctions as a trade-off.”

Additionally, Salehi responded to questions about the possibility of “exporting enriched uranium out of Iran.” He clearly stated that this issue is not on the negotiation agenda.

He explained that such claims mainly come from other parties and pressure groups against Iran, and that this topic is not part of the negotiations; even if some individuals or countries have made so-called “suggestions” claiming they can help, these have not been discussed in formal negotiations.

With Iran having clearly defined its “red lines” for negotiations, the biggest uncertain variable in the Iran-U.S. talks—Israel—has taken a stance of outright rejection.

Recently, Israeli defense officials disclosed to U.S. officials that Iran’s ballistic missile program poses a “life-and-death” threat to Israel. If Iran crosses the red line set by Israel regarding ballistic missiles, Israel will act alone.

Information obtained from Israeli sources indicates that Prime Minister Netanyahu will visit Washington, D.C., on the 10th and meet with U.S. President Trump on the 11th. It is expected that Netanyahu’s visit will focus on Iran issues, including urging the U.S. to push for transferring Iran’s enriched uranium out of the country and restricting Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities.

In addition to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s scheduled visit to the U.S. on the 10th, Iran’s Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and Supreme Leader’s advisor, Ali Larijani, is also expected to lead a delegation to Oman on the 10th. During the visit, Larijani will meet with senior Omani officials in Muscat to discuss the latest regional and international developments and cooperation at various levels.

(Source: Daily Economic News)