Iran's Khamenei Says Nuclear Talks Will Lead 'Nowhere'

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei waves to the crowd during a meeting in Tehran on February 17.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reiterated that he is "not optimistic" about nuclear negotiations with the world's major powers, adding that he is not opposed to them.

Addressing a rally in Azerbaijan Province on February 17, Khamenei said that although he thought the talks will "lead nowhere," he was "not against them."

Iran and six world powers -- Britain, France, the United States, Russia, China, and Germany -- are scheduled to resume talks in Vienna on February 18.

The discussions aim at reaching a comprehensive agreement on Tehran's nuclear program following a landmark interim accord in November 2013.

Under the interim deal, Iran agreed to freeze some nuclear activities for six months in exchange for some sanctions relief.

Western powers suspect Iran is pursuing a nuclear weapons capability, which Tehran denies.

Based on reporting by AFP and Reuters