Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Monday that his nation will not go to war with the United States, while rejecting President Donald Trump's offer for talks in the wake of the new sanctions he imposed on Iran.
"Recently, U.S. officials have been talking blatantly about us. Beside sanctions, they are talking about war and negotiations," he said via his official Twitter account in English.
"In this regard, let me say a few words to the people: THERE WILL BE NO WAR, NOR WILL WE NEGOTIATE WITH THE U.S."
In a statement reported by tate TV on Monday, he underscored his rejection of last month's offer from Trump for talks with no preconditions.
"I ban holding any talks with America ... America never remains loyal to its promises in talks ... just gives empty words ... and never retreats from its goals for talks," Khamenei was quoted as saying.
This report contains material from AFP and Reuters.