Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appeared to dismiss prospects for further negotiations with the United States over Iran’s nuclear program if the U.S. insisted on zero enrichment, signaling Tehran’s intention to continue uranium enrichment regardless of diplomatic efforts.
In remarks made during a speech on Tuesday, Khamenei stated, “We indirectly negotiated with America in the past, including during President Raisi’s term. Needless to say, there was no result, and I don’t think these negotiations will yield any results now either.”
He went on to reject U.S. demands for dismantling Iran’s uranium enrichment program, calling them “utter nonsense” and adding, “We’re not waiting for anyone’s permission for enrichment—we will pursue this.” The comments underscore Iran’s determination to continue its peaceful nuclear activities, with or without agreement from Washington.
Khamenei’s remarks came as Iran reportedly had not accepted an invitation from Oman to participate in a fifth round of indirect talks with the U.S., which were scheduled to take place this Friday in Rome. On Sunday, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff had stated he believed a new round of negotiations was going to take place in Europe this week.
The Trump administration has recently hardened its stance on Iran’s nuclear program, stating unequivocally that it will not accept any agreement that allows Iran to enrich uranium—even at the 3.67% level permitted for civilian energy use under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). On Sunday, Witkoff reiterated that Iran retaining even 1% enrichment capability remains a “red line” for Washington.
Tehran has consistently maintained that it will not abandon its nuclear program entirely and has only expressed willingness to discuss the degree of uranium enrichment—not the existence of the program itself.
The White House has yet to issue a formal response to Khamenei’s statements or Iran’s rejection of the upcoming talks. However, if Iran fully withdraws from negotiations, it could leave President Trump with a stark choice: either backtrack on his demand for total dismantlement of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure or consider military options—the latter being an approach that is likely to be unpopular among his political base.