Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Tuesday ruled out negotiations with the United States, declaring that talks under pressure would serve no purpose for Tehran.
In a recorded message, he stressed that Iran would not abandon uranium enrichment despite mounting Western pressure.
Khamenei insisted that nuclear weapons were neither necessary nor part of Iran’s strategy, but reaffirmed the country’s right to enrich uranium up to 60% for domestic needs.
No concessions under pressure
The Supreme Leader dismissed Washington’s insistence that Iran abandon uranium enrichment altogether, calling it an affront to national dignity.
“Accepting negotiations under threats would not be acceptable to anyone with honor, dignity, and pride,” Khamenei said. “Negotiating with the US government will not serve our national interests, will not benefit us, and will not protect us from any harm.”
He reiterated that Iran would not yield to sanctions or foreign pressure, stressing that enrichment up to 60% was essential for the nation’s needs.
Khamenei slams Israel
Khamenei also accused Israel of trying to destabilize Iran from within. He claimed Israeli agents had sought to incite protests and prepare for a post-Islamic Republic scenario aimed at “uprooting Islam in Iran.”
He said those plans had failed, but described them as part of a broader effort to ignite unrest and weaken the Islamic system.
Iran’s Position on nuclear weapons
While rejecting nuclear arms, Khamenei repeated that Iran had every right to pursue advanced nuclear technology within peaceful limits. “We do not need nuclear weapons, and we have decided not to pursue nuclear weapons,” he said.
