Iran's supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has stated that the country will not trade away its nuclear and missile capabilities, drawing a hard line in stalled talks with the US.
In a written statement, Khamenei emphasized that these capabilities are viewed as national assets and will be protected at all costs.
His remarks come as the US seeks a wider deal to cement the ceasefire in the war-torn region, with President Donald Trump aiming to deny Iran the ability to develop nuclear weapons.
Khamenei also criticized US bases in the region, saying they lack the capacity to ensure their own security, let alone provide any hope of securing their allies.
Iran's president, Masoud Pezeshkian, also weighed in on the issue, stating that a US naval blockade of Iranian ports would deepen disruptions in the Gulf and fail to achieve its objectives.
