In what could be called a first setback to the framework agreement between Iran and the world powers, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed on Wednesday that Tehran would not accept "unreasonable demands" by world powers during negotiations over its disputed nuclear programme, and ruled out letting inspectors interview its atomic scientists.
"They (P5+1 countries) are making new comments in the nuclear negotiations. Regarding the inspections, we have said that we will not allow foreigners to carry out inspections of any Iranian military sites," Press TV quoted Khamenei as saying at the commencement ceremony for graduates of the Imam Hossein Military Academy.
Iran reached a tentative deal with the world powers on April 2 to allow UN inspectors to carry out more intrusive, short-notice inspections under an "Additional Protocol" to the Non-Proliferation Treaty. But there have been sharply differing interpretations from both sides on the details of that access.
Khamenei indicated that the Americans are increasing their demands that international inspection of Iran's military sites and interviews with Iranian scientists be included in the final deal.
"The impudent and brazen enemy expects that we allow them talk to our scientists and researchers about a fundamental local achievement but no such permission will be allowed," Khamenei told military commanders in Tehran.
"No inspection of any military site or interview with nuclear scientists will be allowed."
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Excessive demands, said Khamenei, are among the challenges facing Iran, saying,"We are not afraid of these challenges ... the Iranian nation will weather these challenges with determination, trust in God and self-reliance."
Khamenei warned against the enemies' acquisitiveness.
"The enemies should know that the Iranian nation and officials will, by no means, give in to excessive demands and bullying," Ayatollah Khamenei said.
He also warned of enemies' plan to spread proxy wars to the Iranian borders in collusion with some "silly" officials of Persian Gulf countries.
While dismissing the enemies' propaganda to create the impression that Iran is isolated, Khamenei said,"Isolated are those who can attract some individuals only through force and dollars."
Ali Akbar Velayati, a senior advisor to Khamenei, was quoted by Iranian media this week as accusing the Americans of changing their position and toughening their stance as the deadline approaches.
"They insist on crossing (our) red lines. This turns into an obstacle," Velayati was quoted as saying.
Iran and world powers will begin a new round of negotiations to finalise an accord on the country's nuclear issue in the Austrian capital of Vienna on Wednesday.
The UN International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been trying to investigate Western allegations that Iran has worked on designing a nuclear warhead. Iran says its nuclear programme is peaceful and that it is working with the IAEA to clear up any suspicions.
Western officials say Iran must step up cooperation with the IAEA if it wants to reach a broader diplomatic deal with world powers that would gradually end crippling financial and other sanctions on the oil producer.
Meanwhile, Iranian chief negotiator and Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has failed to convince Iranian lawmakers regarding the talks between Tehran and the P5+1 group over Tehran's nuclear programme.