Kerry Describes Khamenei's Recent Statements as 'Very Concerning'

John Kerry, the U.S. Secretary of State, stated that the remarks made by the leader of the Islamic Republic on Saturday regarding the continuation of his previous policy towards the U.S., despite the new nuclear agreement with the West, are 'a cause for concern.' According to Reuters, Mr. Kerry made this comment in an interview with the Saudi television network Al Arabiya, which aired on Tuesday, July 30. Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader and Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Republic, said in two speeches on Saturday, July 27, before government officials and ambassadors of Islamic countries, and in the Eid al-Fitr prayers in Tehran, that Iran's policy towards the U.S. 'will not change in any case.' He further pointed out the '180-degree' difference between Iran's and the U.S.'s policies, stating that the Islamic Republic will not abandon its support for its 'friends' in the region. In response to these statements, Kerry said in the Al Arabiya interview, 'I don't know how to interpret these remarks at this point in time, other than to take them literally and say that this is his policy.' Kerry added, 'But I am also aware that often, public comments are made, and at the same time, things may develop that differ from these statements.' He further stated, 'But if this is his policy, it is very concerning and a cause for worry.' Khamenei also emphasized support for the Islamic Republic's 'friends' in Syria, Yemen, Bahrain, Palestine, Lebanon, and Iraq. Kerry expressed his belief that U.S. Arab allies have the 'capability' to confront 'Iran's intervention in the region.' He specified, 'President Barack Obama's belief and our military and intelligence assessments are that if they [Arab allies] organize properly, all Arab countries have significant untapped potential to counter such activities.' Iran and six world powers reached a comprehensive and final agreement regarding Iran's nuclear program on Tuesday, July 23, which has raised concerns among some Arab countries in the region. Among the negotiating countries with Iran, Laurent Fabius, the French Foreign Minister, has at times shown a tougher stance towards Iran while being closer to the Arab allies of Western powers. In recent developments, Reuters reported on Tuesday, July 30, that Laurent Fabius announced he would visit Tehran next week to discuss 'all issues' and meet with the Iranian President. Emphasis on cooperation to ensure the implementation of the nuclear agreement was also noted, as Chinese President Xi Jinping stated in a phone call with his American counterpart that China intends to cooperate with the U.S. and other parties regarding the implementation of the nuclear agreement with Iran. Xi added, 'China and the United States had close cooperation during the negotiations, which is beneficial for the relations between the two countries.' He continued, 'This agreement sends a positive message to the world that the international community is capable of resolving its major disputes through dialogue.' China and Iran have close diplomatic and economic relations, and Wang Yi, the Chinese Foreign Minister, has been an active party in encouraging Washington to reach a final nuclear agreement with Iran.