Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has rebuked those advocating that Iran look only to the East in response to the US withdrawal from the nuclear deal. He asserted instead that Iran must expand its ties more broadly.
In a July 15 meeting with members of President Hassan Rouhani's administration, Khamenei said, “With the exception of a few instances, such as America, the country’s relations with East and West must be strengthened, and targeted diplomacy must be increased.”