Global media coverage of the Supreme Leader’s remarks

The UK-based analytical outlet Middle East Eye, citing Reuters, reported that Ayatollah Khamenei stated cooperation with the United States is impossible as long as Washington continues to support Israel. The report quoted him as saying: “Americans sometimes say they are willing to cooperate with Iran, but as long as the U.S. supports the Zionist regime, maintains military bases in the region, and interferes in its affairs, such cooperation cannot happen.”

The Times of Israel, also citing Reuters, wrote that Iran’s leader stressed there can be no cooperation between the two countries so long as Washington backs the Israeli regime and keeps its military presence in the Middle East. The paper noted that Ayatollah Khamenei’s remarks come at a time when the Trump administration is seeking to increase pressure on Tehran.

Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported that during a meeting with students in Tehran marking the anniversary of the 1979 U.S. embassy takeover, Ayatollah Khamenei said Iran would only consider cooperation with the U.S. if Washington “completely abandons support for the Zionist regime, withdraws its military bases from the region, and stops interfering in regional affairs.”

AFP analyzed the remarks within the context of recent regional tensions — including military clashes between Iran and Israel and U.S. involvement — noting that Ayatollah Khamenei described this confrontation as stemming from “the arrogant nature of the United States, which accepts nothing but submission.”

Russia’s RIA Novosti also reported that Iran’s leader outlined the “key conditions” for any interaction with the U.S., saying Tehran would only consider Washington’s requests if it fully ends support for the occupying regime, dismantles its bases in West Asia, and ceases meddling in regional affairs. The agency further noted that Ayatollah Khamenei highlighted the “fundamental conflict of interests” between Tehran and Washington, recalling that talks between the two sides — mediated by Oman — were halted after Israeli and U.S. attacks on targets inside Iran.

Russia Today (RT) covered the remarks under the headline: “The imperialist nature of the U.S. is incompatible with Iran’s independence-seeking identity.” The network said Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized that “the conflict between the Islamic Republic and the U.S. is not tactical but intrinsic and fundamental,” viewing his comments as a reaffirmation of Iran’s commitment to resistance against foreign interference and domination.

Meanwhile, China’s CGTN quoted the Leader on its official X account, writing: “Americans sometimes say they want to cooperate with Iran. If the U.S. completely stops supporting the Zionist regime, removes its military bases from the region, and ceases its interference, then such discussions might be possible — but not now or in the near future.”

CGTN concluded that Ayatollah Khamenei unequivocally rejected any dialogue or cooperation with the U.S. under current conditions, stating that such a matter “is not on the agenda.”