Khamenei: Iran-U.S. Conflict “Intrinsic” Until Washington Ends Support for Israel
Tehran, November 3, 2025 — Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said the conflict between Iran and the United States is “intrinsic” and stems from a fundamental clash of interests, warning that cooperation would only be possible if Washington changes its regional policies.
Speaking on the eve of November 4 — Student Day and the National Day of Fight Against Global Arrogance — Ayatollah Khamenei addressed thousands of students and families of war martyrs in Tehran, marking the anniversary of the 1979 takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran. He described the event as both “historically defining” and central to Iran’s revolutionary identity.
“The conflict between the Islamic Republic and the United States is intrinsic, a confrontation of interests between the two sides,” Khamenei said. “Only if the United States completely ends its support for the cursed Zionist regime, withdraws its military bases, and refrains from interference could its requests for cooperation with Iran be considered—not in the near future, but later.”
The Leader said the 1979 embassy seizure, often referred to as the “Den of Espionage takeover,” exposed Washington’s true nature and its ongoing hostility toward Iran.
“The seizure of the U.S. Embassy revealed the true identity of the United States government and the genuine nature of the Islamic Revolution,” he noted.
Khamenei traced the roots of Iran-U.S. tensions to the 1953 CIA-backed coup that overthrew Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh, saying it exposed American duplicity.
“The Americans smiled at Mossadegh but secretly, with the British, carried out a coup, overthrew the national government, and returned the fleeing Shah,” he said.
The Leader dismissed the idea that anti-U.S. slogans such as “Death to America” caused Washington’s hostility, arguing instead that the confrontation is structural and rooted in opposing interests.
“The issue America has with the Islamic Republic is intrinsic—a clash of interests, not slogans,” he emphasized.
He added that the students who occupied the embassy in 1979 initially intended a short protest, but discovered documents revealing alleged U.S. plots against the Revolution.
Khamenei further rejected recent U.S. overtures for engagement, saying such proposals are meaningless while Washington continues to back Israel and maintain a military presence in the region.
Concluding his remarks, the Leader urged Iranian students to strengthen their understanding of political history, enhance scientific knowledge, and continue progress in defense and technological fields.
“Iran must remain a strong nation that no power can subjugate,” he said.