Iran's top leader says sanctions must be fully lifted for nuclear deal to survive

In this picture released by official website of the office of the Iranian supreme leader on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks in a meeting with members of Iran's Experts Assembly in Tehran, Iran. Iran's supreme leader says world powers must lift international sanctions and not merely suspend them as part of a landmark nuclear agreement. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said "there will be no deal" if the sanctions are not lifted. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP) (The Associated Press)

In this picture released by official website of the office of the Iranian supreme leader on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks in a meeting with members of Iran's Experts Assembly in Tehran, Iran. Iran's supreme leader says world powers must lift international sanctions and not merely suspend them as part of a landmark nuclear agreement. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said "there will be no deal" if the sanctions are not lifted. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP) (The Associated Press)

Iran's supreme leader says world powers must lift international sanctions and not merely suspend them as part of a landmark nuclear agreement.

Speaking to a group of clerics, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said "there will be no deal" if the sanctions are not lifted. His remarks were read by a state TV anchorman.

Khamenei says some U.S. officials have spoken of the "suspension" of the sanctions, which he says is unacceptable. He says Iran will only partially comply with its commitments if the sanctions are merely suspended.

U.S. President Barack Obama recently secured enough support to prevent the Republican-led Congress from blocking the deal. The agreement would curb Iran's nuclear activities in return for sanctions relief.