In an Aug. 13 speech, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei addressed a wide range of issues pertaining to his country, from the economic problems and the currency’s collapse to the possibility of negotiations with the United States and a military confrontation between the two countries.

“There will be no war because just like before, we will not begin war,” said Khamenei. “And the Americans will not attack because they know 100% it will be to their detriment. The Islamic Republic has proven that any invader will be dealt a bigger strike.”

On the contradictory statements by President Donald Trump, who said the United States would be willing to talk with Iran without preconditions, and by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who later walked backed the president's position, Khamenei said, “This issue for them is a game, a cliche, and politically worthless. One person says no preconditions, another person sets preconditions.”

Khamenei continued, “Contrary to the opinion of some domestically, the request from the Americans to negotiate is not a serious issue, and in the last 40 years has been repeated numerous times and been met with by a negative answer from Iran.” Khamenei referenced the secret 1986 trip to Tehran by President Ronald Reagan’s former national security adviser Robert McFarlane in an effort to begin high-level talks; the attempt wound up being rebuffed.