(Image source: Mehr News ) BY NICHOLE CARTMELL ANCHOR CHRISTIAN BRYANT Despite requests by the U.S., Iran has rejected Vice President Joe Biden’s offer for direct talks between the two countries. Iran's supreme leader says such actions would not solve the conflicts between them. Iran’s Mehr News Agency reports Ayatollah Khamenei believes the country has made a lot of progress in 30 years. In an address to Iranian Army Air Force commanders and personnel Thursday morning, he said standing against foreign powers is possible and necessary — a lesson the country’s learned in the past three decades. He goes on to say... “I am not diplomat, I am Revolutionary, and would say my words frankly and honestly. You [Americans] take arms before the Iranians and say that you want to negotiate, but Iranian people would not be intimidated by this stuff.” Haaretz explains these sentiments could have an effect on the upcoming negotiations in Kazakhstan between Iran and the permanent UN Security Council and Germany.   “His apparent references to U.S.­ sanctions - saying Washington was "holding a gun" to Iran - suggests Iranian envoys will likely stick to demands for relief from the economic pressures before considering any nuclear concessions.” Haaretz also points out all major decisions in Iran must be cleared by Khamenei-- something a BBC correspondent says has hindered President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s attempts to turn around Iran-US relations. President Obama began his first term by sending diplomatic signals to Iran, like Vice President Biden’s offer of direct talks. But Khamenei has criticised Mr. Ahmadinejad for welcoming such offers. The correspondent says... The ayatollah had previously described Mr Obama's ‘extended hand’ of friendship as being ‘covered with a velvet glove, but underneath, it is made of cast iron.’” Talks between Tehran, the UN Security Council and Germany are set to resume February 26.