Ayatollah Khamenei set “strict and difficult-to-implement conditions” for the US, the Lebanese politician told Iraq’s Al-Maalomah news outlet, noting that Iran’s position stems from its growing political and strategic strength in the region.

Amhaz made the comments in an interview published Tuesday, a day after the Leader said that Washington’s request for cooperation with Tehran would only be considered, not in the near future, but at a later time, provided that the US completely cuts its support for Israel, withdraws its military bases from West Asia, refrains from interfering in regional affairs.

Amhaz said Ayatollah Khamenei does not deal with Washington from a position of weakness or need, but from a position of parity and the ability to impose equations. 

He added that the conditions the Leader set concern the necessity of completely lifting sanctions and ensuring that the US administration does not repeat previous violations of agreements.

“Today, Iran possesses numerous levers of pressure, whether in its nuclear issue or through its regional influence, which enables it to speak with the language of confidence, not retreat,” the Lebanese politician said.

He explained that the US realizes that any attempt to impose dictates on Tehran will fail in light of the new balances of power in the region, adding that Iran’s stance reflects a firm strategic vision that negotiations are not conducted under pressure, but from a position of full sovereignty and decision-making power.

Iran and the United States were engaged in negotiations earlier this year aimed at reaching a deal on Iran’s nuclear program. The process was halted after Israel launched its war of aggression against Iran on June 13, two days before a new round of talks was set to begin.

Iran says Israel started the 12-day war with US approval, and that Washington betrayed diplomacy.