Iran's supreme leader rejects direct talks with United States
Purchase this article for republication
Buy SPH photos
In file photo taken on Sunday, Oct 14, 2012, released by an official website of the Iranian supreme leader's office, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei listens to a speaker during a meeting in his tour at north-eastern Iran. Mr Khamenei on Thursday, Feb 7, 2013, strongly rejected proposals for direct talks with United States, apparently quashing suggestions for a breakthrough dialogue on the nuclear standoff and potentially other issues. -- PHOTO: AP
TEHERAN (AP) - Iran's supreme leader on Thursday strongly rejected proposals for direct talks with United States, apparently quashing suggestions for a breakthrough dialogue on the nuclear standoff and potentially other issues.
The statement posted on Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's website marked his first reaction to the idea for the one-on-one talks, which have been floated for months and were reinforced last week by U.S. Vice President Joe Biden.
But any possible momentum depended on Mr Khamenei, who has the final say in all key matters and has previously opposed direct negotiations with Washington.
"Talks will not solve any problems," Mr Khamenei said in a statement.
