Iran's Supreme Leader Says Western Sanctions Must Go When Nuclear Deal Is Signed

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivering
 speech to a packed crowd earlier this month

THE TELEGRAPH: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declares that inspection of military sites is "out of the question" and appears to renege on commitments that Iran has already made

Iran's Supreme Leader drew his "red lines" for a final nuclear agreement on Tuesday night, demanding the "immediate" lifting of sanctions as soon as a deal is signed.

Diplomats from Iran and six world powers are racing to negotiate an accord that would settle the confrontation over Tehran's nuclear ambitions by a deadline of next Tuesday.

But Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's sudden intervention may complicate their efforts. In a televised speech, the Supreme Leader appeared to renege on commitments that Iran has already made.

"Sanctions should be lifted immediately when the deal is signed and it should not be linked to verification by the UN watchdog body," said Ayatollah Khamenei, who has the final say over all policy questions. » | David Blair | Tuesday, June 23, 2015