Iran’s Khamenei Expresses Doubts Over US Nuclear Talks

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has expressed skepticism about the potential for a new agreement with the US on nuclear talks. “We don’t think it will lead to any outcome. We don’t know what will happen,” Khamenei said, criticizing the US for making “excessive and outrageous” demands on uranium enrichment.

The US and Iran have been engaged in indirect talks, with the US insisting that Iran must commit to stopping its enriched uranium production. US President Donald Trump claimed that Iran had “sort of” agreed to the terms of a deal, but Iran’s chief negotiator rejected this assertion. “Saying they will not allow Iran to enrich is a big mistake. No-one waits for their permission,” Khamenei added.

Khamenei’s comments come after US special envoy Steve Witkoff stated that the US cannot allow even 1% of Iran’s enrichment capability. “We’ve delivered a proposal to the Iranians that we think addresses some of this without disrespecting them,” Witkoff said. However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi responded by warning that “unrealistic expectations stop negotiations, enrichment in Iran is not something that can be stopped.”

The 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers, including the US, limited Iran’s nuclear activities and allowed inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in return for sanctions relief. However, the US pulled out of the deal in 2018, and Iran has since breached restrictions and stockpiled highly-enriched uranium.

Key Points of Contention

• Enrichment limits: The US wants Iran to commit to stopping its enriched uranium production, while Iran insists on its right to enrichment.
• Sanctions relief: Iran demands sanctions relief in exchange for limiting its nuclear activities.
• Negotiation approach: The US and Iran have differing views on the negotiation process, with the US pushing for a deal that does not include enrichment and Iran rejecting this approach.