Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected U.S. demands that Tehran abandon uranium enrichment, saying doing so would destroy “a great achievement” and vowing that Iranians will refuse and “slap” anyone who proposes it.
“Negotiations with the US regarding the nuclear issue, and perhaps other matters, are a dead end,” Khamenei added in a speech addressing the nation Tuesday.
Newsweek has reached out to the U.S. State Department for comment.
Why It Matters
The Iranian leader’s comments signal a non-negotiable stance on its nuclear program, escalating tensions with Western powers, looming over this month’s U.N. General Assembly in New York.
Iran faces increasing sanctions under President Donald Trump’s administration that have strained its economy and risks further pressure under a U.N. “snapback mechanism” that could potentially hinder its nuclear ambitions.
What To Know
The Iranian leader’s comments followed a proposal by Trump, in which he said he extended a “pledge of full cooperation in exchange for suspending Iran’s nuclear program.”
The president told the U.N. General Assembly earlier Tuesday that Iran continued to threaten its neighbors and U.S. interests in the region.
Trump and Khamenei’s remarks came as Iran faces a new deadlock despite engaging in nuclear talks on multiple fronts in the aftermath of surprise attacks by Israel and the U.S. on its nuclear facilities, which Israel carried out in the middle of negotiations between Tehran and Washington.
The fragile diplomatic engagement, however, stopped short of settling enrichment disputes, a concern shared by Western powers and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that Iran dismissed. The U.S.’ “zero-enrichment” demand was met with rejection from Iran.
“Countries seeking to build nuclear weapons increase enrichment to even 90%. Since we have no need for such weapons and have decided not to pursue nuclear arms, we have increased our level of enrichment to 60%,” Khamenei said Tuesday, reaffirming earlier stances.
Commenting on U.S. criticism of Iran’s missile program, Khamenei said, “meaning that Iran’s hands should be so tied that if it were attacked, it could not even respond to the US bases.”
What People Are Saying
Khamenei: “The US side says Iran mustn’t have enrichment whatsoever; what does this mean? It means they’re saying this great achievement for which our country has worked so hard should be destroyed! The Iranian nation will slap anyone who suggests such a thing and refuse to accept it.”
Trump: “My position is very simple. The world’s number one sponsor of terror can never be allowed to possess the most dangerous weapon.”
What Happens Next
Iran says it will maintain military readiness and warns that any attempt to use force will be met with a crushing response.
