Khamenei Rejects US Negotiation Tactics Amid Nuclear Concerns

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei asserts Iran’s refusal to negotiate with the U.S. under pressure, emphasizing that American offers aim to impose expectations. He regards talks as a means for the U.S. to dominate, citing the historical context of U.S.-Iran relations. Additionally, concerns grow over Iran’s nuclear program with ongoing U.S. sanctions and diplomatic challenges.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has firmly stated that Iran will not engage in negotiations with the United States under what he refers to as ‘bully’ pressure. During a meeting with senior Iranian officials, he explained that Washington’s offers for talks serve to impose American expectations rather than to resolve existing issues. Khamenei insisted that the concept of negotiations from the U.S. perspective aims primarily at dominance over Iran’s sovereign interests, stating, “The insistence of some bully governments on negotiations is not to resolve issues, but to dominate and impose their own expectations.”

Khamenei emphasized that negotiations are not solely focused on Iran’s nuclear situation, affirming, “Talks for them is a path to have new expectations; it is not only about Iran’s nuclear issue. Iran will definitely not accept their expectations.” His remarks come in the context of U.S. policies under President Donald Trump, who reinstated a “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran following the U.S. exit from the 2015 nuclear deal, which had previously placed constraints on Iran’s nuclear program in return for sanctions relief.

Following the U.S.’s withdrawal in 2018, Iran began exceeding the agreed-upon limitations on its nuclear activities. This development has raised concerns, with Rafael Grossi, the head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog, indicating that the window for diplomatic solutions is closing as Iran escalates its uranium enrichment efforts towards weapons-grade levels. Iran, however, continues to assert that its nuclear activities are intended for peaceful purposes only.

Ayatollah Khamenei’s statements reaffirm Iran’s rejection of U.S. negotiation tactics under pressure, highlighting a fundamental mistrust in the intentions behind such offers. The ongoing tension between the U.S. and Iran is characterized by a series of strategic moves, including the U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear deal and Iran’s subsequent nuclear advancements. As diplomacy falters and Iran enhances its nuclear capabilities, the prospect for a peaceful resolution remains increasingly tenuous.

Original Source: m.economictimes.com