Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, expressed strong opposition on Saturday to negotiating the country's nuclear program with the United States, following a letter sent by President Trump earlier in the week.
During a Ramadan meeting with government and military officials, Khamenei indirectly addressed Trump's suggestion for negotiations, emphasizing that some "bullying governments" use negotiations not to resolve issues but to impose their demands. He stated that the discussions would lead to new demands that Iran would not accept.
In a statement made on Friday, Trump highlighted that Iran's nuclear capabilities had reached a critical point, possessing enough near-bomb-grade fuel to potentially produce about six weapons. He indicated that he offered Iran a chance to negotiate or risk losing their nuclear program through military action.
The White House has not disclosed specific details regarding the content of Trump's letter, which he stated was sent on Wednesday.
There is currently a divide among Iranian officials regarding negotiations over the nuclear program. While Khamenei rejected Trump's offer, some moderate and reformist leaders, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, advocate for opening negotiations. However, Khamenei, who has a history of distrust towards the United States, holds the ultimate decision-making power.
Officials noted that the 2015 nuclear accord, negotiated by President Barack Obama, had been effective in limiting Iran's nuclear activities, as the country had shipped most of its nuclear fuel stockpile abroad and complied with international restrictions. However, Trump withdrew from the agreement during his first term and reinstated severe economic sanctions, hoping to compel Tehran into a more favorable deal for the U.S.
Despite the sanctions, Iran did not return to negotiations, and experts now assert that the nuclear program stands at a critical juncture. Additionally, Trump's actions have potentially compromised U.S. programs designed to monitor Iran's nuclear ambitions, raising concerns about the impact on global efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation.