Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has expressed strong doubt over the potential success of ongoing nuclear talks with the United States, criticising what he described as Washington’s unrealistic and escalating demands. His remarks signal deepening pessimism surrounding the latest diplomatic efforts aimed at reviving a nuclear agreement.
In a statement published on his official website, Khamenei said indirect negotiations during former President Ebrahim Raisi’s term failed to yield results, and there is little expectation that the current talks will be any different. He particularly condemned US demands to halt uranium enrichment, calling them “a big mistake,” and firmly asserted that Iran would not seek American permission for its nuclear activities.
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“Try not to talk nonsense,” Khamenei said, addressing US negotiators in unusually blunt language. His comments come as the fourth round of indirect talks was recently held in Oman, which Iranian officials later described as “difficult” and unproductive.
At the heart of the impasse is Iran’s insistence on its right to enrich uranium, as protected under the UN’s Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The US, however, has recently hardened its position, with special envoy Steve Witkoff stating that even a minimal enrichment capability is unacceptable under any new deal.
Despite hints from the US side that a compromise might be on the table, Iranian officials remain sceptical. Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi both indicated that unless Washington revises its stance, the negotiations are unlikely to move forward. While a proposed date for the next round of talks has been floated, Tehran has yet to confirm participation.
