Reuters reported on Wednesday: Iran has “clearly-defined red lines” in any talks with major powers on its disputed nuclear programme, its highest authority said on Wednesday, making clear the country would not give up its atomic activities.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, speaking three days before Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator is due to meet European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana in Geneva, also said the Islamic Republic would cut off the hand of any aggressor.

“In relation to negotiations … we have very clearly defined red lines,” he said in a speech quoted by state radio.
Iranian officials have previously said uranium enrichment was a “red line” and would continue.
The standoff over Iran’s nuclear activities has sparked speculation of a military confrontation with the United States or Israel and helped push up oil prices to record levels.

Iran has vowed to strike back at Tel Aviv, as well as U.S. interests and shipping, if it is attacked.
“The hand that would attack the Islamic Republic of Iran will be cut off,” Khamenei said.

According to the state-run News Network TV, Khamenei threatened the US president and said: “If they commit a realistic stupid action, they should know that the people of Iran will cut the hand that has encroached our dear Islamic Republic of Iran. It makes no difference for the people of Iran whether this criminal hand is in a state responsibility or not.

The issue that some people say the US President in his last months in office might take a measure and leave the troubles for the coming administration is a false illusion. Because if anybody takes any measure, the people of Iran will pursue and punish him even at a time he is not in the office.”