US cannot wage war fearing $150 oil, cleric in Khamenei’s office says
Washington is not capable of launching another military conflict against Iran and is constrained by the risks of soaring energy prices, a senior cleric in the Office of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said on Friday.
“Today, there is talk about the possible resumption of a military war, but it seems the enemy does not have the capability to attack again and fears Iran’s power. The Americans also fear the prospect of $150 oil and cannot endure such a situation,” said Ali Saidi.
“While evidence shows no immediate threat, the armed forces must remain on alert and strengthen their communications.”
A day before, Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, suggested dialogue with the United States could be possible, provided it is directed toward a genuine resolution.
“If the United States realizes it cannot defeat the Islamic Republic through war and then seeks negotiations, we will respond positively. But if they negotiate to prepare for the next war, it will be of no benefit to us,” he told Lebanon’s Al-Mayadeen.
France, the United Kingdom, and Germany have separately warned Iran they will reinstate UN sanctions unless Tehran reopens nuclear talks and produces tangible results by the end of August.
Earlier negotiations under the Trump administration collapsed when Israel launched military strikes on June 13, one day after a 60-day ultimatum expired. On the ninth day of the conflict, the United States bombed three Iranian nuclear facilities, which US President Donald Trump said had “obliterated” the program.
