Exclusive | White House: We Have a Long Way to Go to Achieve a Long-Term Solution for Iran's Nuclear Program

A spokesperson for the National Security Council at the White House, in response to a request from Voice of America for comments on recent remarks by the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic regarding nuclear negotiations, stated that our judgment criteria are based on the actions of the Iranian government, not the words of its officials. On Tuesday, September 6, Ali Khamenei showed signs of willingness to resume negotiations with the U.S. regarding the Islamic Republic's nuclear program and told the government delegation led by Masoud Pezeshkian that 'there is no harm in interacting with [the enemy] at some point.' In reaction to Khamenei's remarks, a spokesperson for the National Security Council told Voice of America, 'We have long said that diplomacy is ultimately the best way to achieve an effective and long-term solution for Iran's nuclear program.' He added, 'We are currently a long way from such a thing,' stating, 'We will judge Iran based on actions, not words. If Iran wants to show seriousness or a new approach, it must stop its nuclear and regional provocations.' Khamenei's recent statements have been interpreted in Western media as opening the door to negotiations with the West; however, many believe it is still unclear how much maneuvering and interaction space his successor will have. The U.S. State Department also previously stated in a similar reaction, 'If the Islamic Republic of Iran wants to show seriousness or a new approach, it must stop escalating nuclear tensions and begin meaningful cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency.' President Joe Biden has repeatedly stated that Washington will never allow Tehran to acquire nuclear weapons at any cost. Despite all evidence and reports, the Islamic Republic continues to claim that its nuclear program has non-military objectives.