Iran’s Khamenei bans any direct talks with US

Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei banned holding any direct talks with the United States, state TV reported. Khamenei rejected an offer last month by US President Donald Trump for talks with no preconditions with Tehran, Reuters said. “I ban holding any talks with America,” Khamenei was quoted as saying by TV. “America never remains loyal to its promises in talks… just gives empty words… and never retreats from its goals for talks.” On his official Twitter account in English, Khamenei said that “recently, US officials have been talking blatantly about us. Beside sanctions, they are talking about war and negotiations.” The statement added: “In this regard, let me say a few words to the people: THERE WILL BE NO WAR, NOR WILL WE NEGOTIATE WITH THE US.”