Tuesday 20 May 2025 – 12:26
https://english.iswnews.com/?p=37874
In a recent address, Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei expressed skepticism regarding the nuclear negotiations with the United States, stating that he believes the talks will yield no results.
During the commemoration of the late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in Tehran, Imam Khamenei addressed the nuclear discussions:
“I want to issue a warning to the other side. The American side that is entering these indirect talks should try not to talk nonsense! Claiming that we will not permit Iran to enrich uranium is a big (nonsense) mistake! Nobody is waiting for permission regarding this or that issue. The Islamic Republic has a policy; it has a method and pursues its own policy.”
He also discussed the future of negotiations with the United States in other parts of his address:
“We do not believe that talks with the United States will come to a conclusion, and we are uncertain about what the future holds…”
These comments emerged following the fourth round of indirect negotiations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States, which took place earlier this year in Muscat, Oman, facilitated by Omani mediation. Throughout these discussions, Washington has persistently demanded a “complete cessation” of Iran’s uranium enrichment activities, characterizing any level of enrichment as a “red line” that must not be crossed.
In contrast, Tehran has staunchly rejected this stance, reaffirming its commitment to continue its enrichment program irrespective of the negotiations’ progress or outcomes. Iranian officials have repeatedly emphasized the peaceful nature of their nuclear initiatives, a claim that has been validated by numerous inspections conducted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Additionally, this position is bolstered by a fatwa (religious decree) from the Supreme Leader, which categorically prohibits the development of nuclear weapons.
The Islamic Republic asserts that any discussions must prioritize the lifting of what it terms the US’s illegal sanctions against Iran, which have had a significant impact on the country’s economy and international relations. Furthermore, Tehran insists that negotiations should not encroach upon its defensive capabilities, maintaining that national security is paramount and must remain independent of the nuclear discourse.