Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed negotiations, labeling them as bullying tactics aimed at domination. Iran’s Foreign Minister stated no communication had been received from the U.S., as tensions rise over Iran’s nuclear program and commitments under the JCPOA. Khamenei emphasized a rejection of U.S. negotiations and maintained the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear efforts.
In response to remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding negotiations with Iran, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei criticized what he described as bullying tactics. On Friday, Trump indicated he had contacted Khamenei, proposing new discussions concerning Iran’s nuclear program while threatening military action if negotiations faltered. However, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi mentioned that as of Saturday, Iran had not received any correspondence from the U.S. President.
Khamenei accused major powers of imposing unrealistic conditions to dominate Iran during negotiations. He stated, “They are setting new expectations that they think will definitely not be met by Iran,” implying a deliberate attempt to undermine dialogue. Additionally, Araghchi emphasized that Iran would not engage in negotiations under maximum pressure, a policy reinstated by Trump, which included severe sanctions after the U.S. exited the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
The JCPOA, established in 2015, aimed to limit Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. In light of recent tensions, Khamenei reproached European nations involved for claiming that Iran has not met its commitments under the agreement. He challenged them, “Okay, have you fulfilled your commitments under the JCPOA?”
Iran’s uranium enrichment has notably increased beyond JCPOA limits. U.S. officials suggest that Iran could develop a nuclear weapon in a matter of weeks if it desired. Nonetheless, Iranian authorities consistently assert that their nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, supported by a religious decree from Khamenei against the development of nuclear arms.
Reaffirming his stance against negotiations with the U.S., Khamenei termed such discussions “unwise” following Trump’s call for a new nuclear agreement. He asserted that Washington had “ruined, violated, and tore up” the original 2015 agreement. In the past, attempts to mediate the situation, such as Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s visit in 2019, have proven unsuccessful, with Khamenei rejecting any dialogue with Trump, whom he does not respect.
In summary, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has condemned the bullying tactics of major powers, particularly criticizing U.S. President Trump’s recent proposals for negotiations that he perceives as a means of dominance rather than constructive dialogue. Iran reiterates its commitment to peaceful nuclear development, while the impasse in diplomatic engagement underscores the ongoing complexities of international relations surrounding its nuclear ambitions.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com