Tehran, Iran – Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has firmly dismissed the prospect of negotiations with the United States over its nuclear programme, despite confirmation from Tehran that President Donald Trump had sent a letter proposing talks.
The letter, reportedly delivered by an official from the United Arab Emirates, suggested discussions on a potential deal aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and reducing the risk of military confrontation.
However, Khamenei, who holds ultimate authority over Iran’s policies, rejected the proposal outright, calling it a “deception of public opinion.”
“When we know they won’t honour it, what’s the point of negotiating?” Khamenei said, referencing Trump’s decision to withdraw from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) during his first term in office.
The US withdrawal from the agreement, which had been brokered under former President Barack Obama, led to the reinstatement of harsh sanctions against Tehran, escalating tensions between the two nations.
Iran Warns of Retaliation
Khamenei also issued a stern warning that Iran would respond forcefully if its nuclear facilities were attacked, reiterating that Tehran was not seeking war but would not hesitate to defend itself.
“Iran is not seeking war, but if the Americans or their agents take a wrong step, our response will be decisive and certain, and the one who will suffer the most harm is America,” he declared.
His remarks reflect Iran’s continued defiance in the face of mounting international pressure over its nuclear activities. The US and its allies have expressed concerns that Iran could be advancing towards the development of nuclear weapons, a claim that Tehran has consistently denied.
Iran Insists It Has No Nuclear Ambitions
Khamenei reaffirmed Iran’s position that it has no intention of pursuing nuclear weapons, despite longstanding accusations from Western nations. He insisted that Iran’s nuclear programme is solely for peaceful purposes, including energy production and medical research.
The rejection of talks comes at a time when diplomatic efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear deal remain stalled. European powers have attempted to mediate between Washington and Tehran, but Iran has been reluctant to engage in direct negotiations with the US, citing a lack of trust following Trump’s withdrawal from the agreement.
Regional Implications and Rising Tensions
The latest developments further strain US-Iran relations, which have been marred by sanctions, military confrontations, and political standoffs in recent years. Iran’s refusal to negotiate could increase tensions in the Middle East, where the US maintains a strong military presence.
Meanwhile, the international community remains divided on how to address Iran’s nuclear ambitions. While Washington has pushed for tougher sanctions and a stricter agreement, Iran has sought relief from economic pressures, arguing that its compliance with previous deals was met with bad faith actions by the US.
With diplomatic avenues narrowing, analysts warn that the situation could escalate into further confrontations, especially if the US or its allies take unilateral actions against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
Despite Khamenei’s firm stance, it remains to be seen whether external pressure or internal economic hardships will eventually push Tehran back to the negotiating table.