Iran’s supreme leader criticized “bullying governments” on Saturday, expressing his discontent with the notion of negotiating the nation’s nuclear program with the United States. This appears to be a reaction to a letter from President Trump earlier in the week.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader, indirectly responded to Trump’s proposal for Iran to negotiate regarding its rapidly progressing nuclear program or face possible military action during a meeting with government and military officials for Ramadan. While he did not specifically mention the letter, Trump, or the United States, it was evident he referenced Washington’s recent overture.
“Some bullying governments insist on negotiations not to resolve issues but to impose their will,” Khamenei stated, according to state media. He further remarked, “Negotiation is merely a channel for them to提出 new demands; it’s not only about nuclear issues, but they are also bringing forth additional demands that Iran will not accept.”
In an Oval Office address on Friday, Trump suggested that Iran’s nuclear capabilities — which now encompass sufficient near-bomb-grade fuel to create approximately six weapons — are approaching a critical threshold. He indicated that he had given the country an opportunity to negotiate or risk losing its nuclear program due to military action.
The White House did not disclose specific details about the contents of Trump’s letter, which he stated was sent on Wednesday.
Debate exists among Iranian officials regarding whether the nation should engage in negotiations over its nuclear program. While the ayatollah condemned Trump’s proposal, several moderate and reformist leaders, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, who assumed office last year, have advocated for negotiations. Ultimately, however, Khamenei, who has persistently maintained that Iran cannot place its trust in the United States, holds the final authority.
Officials assert that the 2015 nuclear agreement brokered by President Barack Obama had been effective. Iran had shipped nearly its entire nuclear fuel stockpile out of the country, and international inspectors confirmed that Iran was adhering to stringent restrictions on new nuclear fuel production.
Nevertheless, Trump, who consistently criticized the agreement, withdrew from the nuclear deal with Iran during his initial term and reinstated heavy economic sanctions, expecting Tehran would respond by seeking a new deal more favorable to the U.S.
Iran did not return to the negotiating table, and experts indicate that the program has now reached a critical point.
Trump may have also compromised his proposition by disrupting two U.S. initiatives that have been working for decades to unveil Iran’s atomic bomb initiatives. One of these programs has since been reinstated, but experts are concerned that these disruptions will adversely affect global efforts to curtail nuclear proliferation.
Farnaz Fassihi contributed reporting.
