Khamenei: We Fundamentally Reject Nuclear Weapons

The USG Open Source Center translates Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's Eid al-Fitr Sermon, in which he categorically rejects the idea of Iran ever developing, possessing or using nuclear weapons.

Iran's Supreme Leader Rejects Nuclear Weapons
Speech by Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamene'i at a meeting with senior officials and people on Id al-Fitr -- recorded
Vision of the Islamic Republic of Iran Network 1
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Document Type: OSC Translated Text

(Ayatollah Khamene'i) They (Western countries) falsely accuse the Islamic republic's establishment of producing nuclear weapons. We fundamentally reject nuclear weapons and prohibit the use and production of nuclear weapons. This is because of our ideology, not because of politics or fear of arrogant powers or an onslaught of international propaganda. We stand firm for our ideology.

At the same time, they are aware of this. The US officials who claim that the Iranian missiles are dangerous or that we seek to produce atomic bombs know themselves that such statements are false. But it is part of the policy of Iranophobia that dominates the behavior of these arrogant governments today. They should correct their behaviour. The Iranian nation is vigilant and understands their enmity, and it will stand firm against them. The Islamic Republic will not surrender in the face of any attack.

(Description of Source: Tehran Vision of the Islamic Republic of Iran Network 1 in Persian -- state-run television)

End/ (Not Continued)