Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned U.S. threats and what he termed bullying tactics in negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program. Following Trump’s claims of outreach, Iran’s Foreign Minister stated no correspondence had been received, and Khamenei rejected negotiations under maximum pressure, criticizing foreign powers for unrealistic expectations. He reiterated Iran’s rights under the JCPOA while emphasizing its peaceful intentions regarding nuclear development.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, criticized the United States for what he referred to as “bullying” tactics following President Donald Trump’s threats related to Iran’s nuclear program. Khamenei asserted that U.S. negotiations were not aimed at resolving issues but rather at establishing dominance over Iran. He made these comments after Trump claimed he had reached out to Khamenei, suggesting the need for new talks.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, stated that as of Saturday, Iran had not received any communication from President Trump. He emphasized that Iran would not enter negotiations under conditions of “maximum pressure,” which reflects Trump’s policy of reimposing sanctions on Tehran after abandoning the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Khamenei accused foreign powers of imposing unmanageable conditions on Iran and questioned the fulfillment of commitments by the other parties to the JCPOA. He highlighted an increase in uranium enrichment by Iran, arguing that the Iranian parliament’s legislative measures left them no alternative. This development has raised concerns, with U.S. officials stating that Iran could potentially produce a nuclear weapon within weeks if it chose to.
Despite increasing tensions, Iranian officials maintain that their nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, regularly stressing a religious edict by Khamenei that prohibits nuclear weapons development. In a reiteration of his stance, Khamenei dismissed the idea of negotiations with the U.S. as “unwise,” accusing Washington of having violated the 2015 nuclear agreement. He also noted a prior rejection of a visit from Japan’s then Prime Minister Shinzo Abe aimed at mediating discussions with the U.S.
In conclusion, Khamenei’s remarks underscore the escalating tensions between Iran and the U.S., particularly regarding the nuclear program. Despite Trump’s calls for new talks, Iran’s leaders remain resolute against negotiations under pressure and assert the peaceful nature of their nuclear aspirations. The situation illustrates the complexities of international diplomacy surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the ongoing challenges in achieving a resolution.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
