Khamenei: The U.S. Seeks Influence in Iran Through Nuclear Agreement

On Monday, August 26, the Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran accused the United States of seeking a way to "influence the country" through the nuclear agreement, stating that "we will not allow American economic, political, or cultural influence in the country." Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a meeting with participants of the two conferences "World Assembly of Ahl al-Bayt" and "Union of Islamic Radios and Televisions," referred to the U.S., saying: "They think that in this agreement, the outcome of which is uncertain - it is unclear whether it will be approved here or there - their intention was to find a way to influence the country through this agreement; we have closed this path; we will decisively close this path." He added: "We will not allow American economic influence in the country, nor political influence, nor cultural influence. With all our power - which, thank God, is quite significant today - we will confront this influence." Khamenei's remarks come at a time when the nuclear agreement between Iran and six world powers is currently under review in the Iranian Parliament and the U.S. Congress. However, there is a low probability that decision-making bodies in Iran, especially the Supreme National Security Council, will reject this agreement. Meanwhile, the U.S. Congress is unlikely to approve the agreement due to strong opposition from Republicans. According to the Iranian leader's information website, he also accused the U.S. of wanting to influence the region and seeking the disintegration of Iraq and Syria, emphasizing that "we will not allow this." Ayatollah Khamenei reiterated support for what he called "resistance in the region and Palestinian resistance," stating: "We will provide all possible support to anyone who fights against Israel, crushes the Zionist regime, and endorses resistance." Opponents of the agreement with Iran, especially in the U.S. Congress, have cited the release of Iranian assets and their allocation to "terrorist groups" like Hezbollah and Hamas as reasons for their opposition, claiming it could undermine the security and stability of Israel.