Why it matters:

Ayatollah Khamenei’s description of the Iran-U.S. conflict as “inherent and identity-based” rather than tactical underscores Iran’s long-standing narrative of resistance and frames U.S. military presence and support for Israel as nonstarters for dialogue.

The big picture:

Speaking before thousands of students and families of war martyrs, Ayatollah Khamenei outlined the history of American hostility toward Iran — from the CIA-backed coup in 1953 to the 1979 U.S. Embassy takeover. He said Iran would only consider cooperation if the U.S. ended its support for Israel, withdrew its military forces from the region, and ceased interfering in regional affairs — and even then, only in the distant future.

What he is saying:

“The conflict between the Islamic Republic and the U.S. is fundamental, not tactical.”

“The embassy takeover revealed the true identity of the arrogant American government.”

“The Iranian people recognized America’s nature through the 1953 coup.”

“Solving national problems requires strength in governance, science, military, and motivation.”

“Arrogance means violating nations’ vital interests — and that’s what we oppose.”