Khamenei Says Iran-U.S. Conflict Rooted in ‘Fundamental Differences,’ Not Tactical Disputes

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Monday said that the long-standing rift between Tehran and Washington arises from fundamental ideological and strategic differences, not tactical misunderstandings.

Addressing students in Tehran ahead of Student Day, which marks the 1979 takeover of the U.S. Embassy, Khamenei said the incident had exposed what he called America’s “true identity,” alleging that seized embassy documents proved it was “a center for plotting” against the Islamic Revolution.

He criticized recent U.S. remarks suggesting openness to cooperation with Iran, calling them inconsistent with Washington’s continued support for Israel.

“The United States cannot speak of cooperation while backing the Zionist regime and maintaining a military presence in our region,” Khamenei said.

He added that Iran would only consider engagement if the U.S. ended its support for Israel, withdrew its forces from the Middle East, and stopped interfering in regional affairs.