Iran: Khamenei against long-term suspension of nuclear research

Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has again opposed a long-term freeze on nuclear research and backed a ban on international inspectors from military sites in Iran.

Ayatollah Khamenei said Iran will sign a final deal on its disputed nuclear program if all economic sanctions on the country are lifted first.

Khamenei's message suggests that Iran is hardening its position as the June 30 deadline approaches for reaching an agreement in negotiations with world powers, the Associated Press reports.

Iran's parliament passed a law last Sunday barring foreign inspectors from accessing military facilities and scientists. That regulation also requires the lifting of sanctions against Iran as a precondition for reaching an agreement between Tehran and the major powers.

Iran and the "Five plus One" Group - China, USA, France, Great Britain, Russia and Germany - have been negotiating for 20 months on the disputed Iranian nuclear program.