Iran's President, Supreme Leader Say No Nuclear Deal Without Lifting of Sanctions

Iran's president and Supreme Leader spoke out today against key tenants of the United States' drafted nuclear resolution, saying that all economic sanctions on the Middle Eastern country must be lifted before an agreement can be made.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a statement Thursday that Iran will not sign the nuclear negotiaions deal until all economic sanctions are lifted. Khamenei added that foreign inspectors would be prevented from visiting military sites in Iran even after the deal is signed.

Khamenei said in a released statement that "it is possible that the untrustworthy side wants to restrict our country in the details".

"I have never been optimistic about negotiating with America. While I was not optimistic, I agreed with this particular negotiation and supported the negotiators," the statement continued, according to the BBC.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani echoed the sentiments of Khamenei at a separate event Thursday.

"We will not sign any agreement, unless all economic sanctions are totally lifted on the first day of the implementation of the deal," Rouhani said at a celebration commemorating Iran's nuclear technology day on Thursday.

While Iran demands that the sanctions be lifted immediately, western powers have argued that the sanctions will be lifted gradually, and depend on the Middle Eastern country's cooperation with the nuclear agreement.

The agreement, which is reportedly in its final stages of negotiations, has involved input from United States, China, Germany, France, Britain and Russia regarding Iran's nuclear program. The agreement, which is set to be completed by June 30, aims to halt Iran's nuclear program in exchange for the gradual lifting of economic sanctions on the oil-rich country.