Iran’s Supreme Leader Rejects US Nuclear Talks, Cites “Dictation, Not Negotiation”

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has rejected any future nuclear talks with the United States, calling them one-sided and predetermined. In a statement shared on social media, he said negotiations with Washington bring no benefit to Iran, as the U.S. only aims to shut down Iran’s uranium enrichment program.

“This isn’t a negotiation – it’s dictation,” Khamenei said.

Defending Iran’s nuclear efforts, Khamenei emphasized that uranium enrichment is vital for various sectors, including agriculture, medicine, energy, and industry. He stressed that while Iran has enriched uranium up to 60%, countries pursuing nuclear weapons enrich up to 90%, adding, “Iran does not want or need a nuclear bomb.”

He also noted that out of the ten countries with enrichment capabilities, Iran is the only one without nuclear weapons.

Meanwhile, European powers met with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, seeking to avoid the reimposition of tough UN sanctions. However, the talks showed little sign of compromise.

“Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon,” said German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, adding that chances of a diplomatic solution remain slim.

Khamenei reaffirmed Iran’s stance, saying the country will not yield to pressure:

“We did not surrender and we will not. Not on this matter or any other,” he said.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry said discussions with European parties would continue. However, Araghchi has until Saturday to reach a deal with Britain, France, Germany, and the EU, or face renewed sanctions. These sanctions had previously been lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal.

Tensions escalated earlier this year when Israel launched a major military strike on Iranian nuclear sites, followed by U.S. airstrikes ordered by President Donald Trump. Addressing the UN, Trump claimed U.S. forces had “obliterated” key Iranian targets.

“The world’s number-one sponsor of terror can never be allowed to possess the most dangerous weapon,” Trump told world leaders.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has called for full access to Iranian nuclear facilities. According to sources, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is exploring communication channels with Iran, but no official U.S. statement has confirmed contact.

The European side has outlined three key conditions to extend talks:

1. Resumption of direct negotiations without preconditions

2. Full access for IAEA inspectors

3. Accurate disclosure of all enriched uranium locations

So far, none of these conditions have been met, and European officials accuse Tehran of stalling. In response, Iran claims it has submitted a “balanced proposal”, but details have not been made public.