DUBAI — Iran's nuclear deal with world powers will not open the Islamic Republic to political or economic influence from the United States and could still be blocked by either country, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Monday. The conservative cleric, Iran's highest authority, has refrained from making decisive statements on the nuclear deal reached last month, which must still be approved by the US Congress before taking effect. “They thought this deal — and it is not clear if it will be passed in Iran or in America — will open up Iran to their influence,” Khamenei was quoted on his website as saying at a meeting with members of the Islamic Radio and Television Union. “We blocked this path and will definitely block it in the future. We won't allow American political, economic or cultural influence in Iran.” Most analysts see the chance of Khamenei rejecting the deal as small after he gave President Hassan Rohani the political cover to pursue talks. But he also holds a deep mistrust of the United States, which he still refers to as the ‘Great Satan'. If the deal is implemented, international sanctions on Iran will be lifted, opening up a market of nearly 80 million people to foreign investment after years of isolation. A prominent hard-liner claimed earlier that Khamenei is opposed to a landmark nuclear deal reached with world powers. Hossein Shariatmadari, editor of the daily newspaper Kayhan and a representative of Khamenei, made the comments in an editorial Saturday. It was the first time someone publicly claimed where Khamenei, who has final say on all state matters, stands on the deal. Khamenei has not publicly approved or disapproved of the deal. However, he has repeatedly offered words of support for Iran's nuclear negotiators. Moderates believe the deal would have never been reached without Khamenei's private approval. Iran's parliament and the Supreme National Security Council will consider the agreement in the coming days. The deal calls for limiting Iran's nuclear program in exchange for lifting economic sanctions. Shariatmadari said in the editorial that many parts of the deal threaten Iran's independence, security and “the sacred system of the Islamic republic of Iran” and would be “disastrous” if implemented. He also referred to a speech by Khamenei last month during which the ayatollah said, “Whether this text is approved or disapproved, no one will be allowed to harm the main principles of the (ruling) Islamic system.” The editorial noted: “Using the phrase ‘whether this text is approved or disapproved' shows his lack of trust in the text of the deal. If His Excellency had a positive view, he would have not insisted on the need for the text to be scrutinized through legal channels ... It leaves no doubt that His Excellency is not satisfied with the text.” Another prominent hard-liner and Khamenei representative, Ayatollah Ahmad Alamolhoda, recently said the deal “crossed the red lines.” He said Khamenei said outsiders should never be allowed access to Iran's security apparatus, but the deal violated that by allowing inspection of military sites. However, Gen. Hassan Firouzabadi, the chief of staff of Iran's armed forces and a close Khamenei ally, backed the deal last week despite having concerns. — Agencies
