Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (Photo: ERA/IRAN'S SUPREME LEADER OFFICE HANDOUT)

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has said that the country will not give up uranium enrichment to conclude a "nuclear deal" with the United States. He said this in a televised speech dedicated to the anniversary of the death of the founder of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, reports Reuters.

Khamenei noted that the abandonment of uranium enrichment "by 100%" is contrary to Iran's interests and "belief in independence." This demand is a key one on the part of the United States in negotiations to resolve the long-standing dispute over Tehran's nuclear ambitions.

He did not say anything about stopping negotiations with the US.

"Uranium enrichment is the key to our nuclear program, and our enemies have focused their attention on enrichment. America's rude and arrogant leaders keep demanding that we not have a nuclear program. Who are you to decide whether Iran should pursue enrichment?" the Ayatollah said .

Khamenei has the final say on all state issues.