Iran’s supreme leader reportedly said the United States would not be able to do anything to prevent them from developing an atomic bomb if they so desired.
The comments were reportedly made during a bilateral summit between Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday.
BREAKING: Iran's Khamenei says while Tehran doesn't want an atomic bomb, 'America could not do anything' to stop Iran if it did.
— The Associated Press (@AP) June 13, 2019
The Iranian leader also said talks with the U.S. were unlikely in the Trump administration, the Associated Press reports.
“We have no doubt about your good will and seriousness, but ... I don’t regard Trump as deserving any exchange of messages,” he told Abe, who cautioned about the possibility of “accidental conflict” with the U.S.
The exchange between the leaders comes as two oil tankers were hit by explosions, causing injuries and damage to the ships. The cargo was reportedly heading for Japan.
Iran’s foreign minister said the attack on the ships was “suspicious.”
"Reported attacks on Japan-related tankers occurred while PM @AbeShinzo was meeting with Ayatollah @khamenei_ir for extensive and friendly talks," he said, adding: "Suspicious doesn't begin to describe what likely transpired this morning."
Reported attacks on Japan-related tankers occurred while PM @AbeShinzo was meeting with Ayatollah @khamenei_ir for extensive and friendly talks.
— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) June 13, 2019
Suspicious doesn't begin to describe what likely transpired this morning.
Iran's proposed Regional Dialogue Forum is imperative.