Iran's Khamenei says dispute with U.S. fundamental, not tactical

Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said on Monday that Tehran's dispute with the United States was rooted in fundamental differences rather than tactical disagreements, adding that the conflict stemmed from clashing interests between the two countries.

Speaking to students in Tehran ahead of Student Day, which commemorates the 1979 takeover of the U.S. embassy, Khamenei said the event had exposed Washington's "true identity," alleging that documents seized from the embassy showed it was "a center for plotting" against Iran's Islamic Revolution.

He said recent U.S. statements expressing willingness to cooperate with Iran were incompatible with Washington's ongoing support for Israel. 

Khamenei added that Iran would only consider cooperation if the United States ended its support for Israel, withdrew its forces from the region, and stopped interfering in regional affairs.

(Cover: Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei makes a speech in Tehran, Iran, November 3, 2025. /VCG)