Iran’s Khamenei says nuclear deal can be abandoned if does not serve interests

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epa04696783 A handout picture made available by the official website of the Iranian Supreme Leader shows the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, speaking to crowds during a ceremony in Tehran, Iran, 09 April 2015. According to reports the Supreme Leader has said he has confidence in his negotiating team and is happy to leave them to reach an angreement in the ongoing nuclear talks between Iran and the P5 + 1, adding only that some conditions must be met, including the lifting of international sanctions. EPA/OFFICAL SUPREME LEADER WEBSITE / HANDOUT HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES

LONDON: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Iran could abandon its nuclear accord with world powers after the US withdrawal if it does not serve its interests, casting doubt on negotiations with European countries to salvage the deal.

“The nuclear deal is a means, not the goal, and if we come to this conclusion that it does not serve our national interests, we can abandon it,” Khamenei was quoted as saying by his official website on Wednesday.

He said Tehran should “give up hope” on Europe to save the deal.

In a meeting with President Hassan Rouhani and his cabinet, Khamenei said Tehran would not negotiate with the “indecent” US officials at any level to reach a new agreement on its nuclear programme.