US to 'judge Iran on their actions, not words' after Khamenei opens door to nuclear talks

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - The White House said Tuesday it is adopting a wait-and-see posture after Iran's supreme leader opened the door to the resumption of negotiations with the US over Tehran's nuclear program.

"We have long said that we ultimately view diplomacy as the best way to achieve an effective, long-term solution to Iran’s nuclear program. However, we are far away from anything like that right now," a National Security Council spokesperson told Anadolu on condition of anonymity.

"We will judge Iran on their actions, not words. If Iran wants to demonstrate seriousness or a new approach, they should stop their nuclear and regional escalations," the spokesperson added.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, earlier Tuesday held his first meeting with the newly formed Cabinet led by President Masoud Pezeshkian, saying there is "no harm" in resuming nuclear talks with the US, whom he dubbed Tehran's "enemy."

While giving the green light, Khamenei warned that Washington is not to be trusted.

"This does not mean that we cannot engage with the enemy in certain situations. There is no harm in that, but do not place your hopes in them. Do not trust the enemy," Khamenei remarked, according to his official website.

The comments came amid heightened regional tensions over concerns that Iran could soon retaliate for the assassination of Hamas' former political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, in Tehran in late July.

The US has deployed two carrier strike groups to the region in a bid to bolster Israel's defenses against any potential Iranian attack, and has warned Tehran against carrying out any potential retribution.