Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, declared on Friday that negotiations with the United States regarding the nuclear deal are not advisable. This statement comes in response to President Donald Trump's recent suggestion of engaging in nuclear talks with Tehran. Khamenei emphasized that engaging in talks with the current U.S. government is not wise or honorable, indicating a shift in Iran's stance on negotiations.
Despite earlier signals from Tehran expressing willingness to negotiate over its nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions, Khamenei's remarks now cast doubt on the possibility of future talks. The supreme leader highlighted the U.S.'s failure to uphold its end of the previous nuclear deal, which led to its collapse.
While Khamenei did not explicitly prohibit engaging with Washington, his comments contradict his previous statements that hinted at the possibility of talks. The Iranian leader's remarks reflect the delicate balance between reformist and hard-line factions within Iran's government.
President Masoud Pezeshkian, who campaigned on entering into dialogue with the West, faces uncertainty following Khamenei's latest stance. The supreme leader's comments underscore Iran's frustration with the U.S.'s unilateral withdrawal from the nuclear agreement and subsequent reimposition of sanctions.
Trump's recent overtures towards Iran, including a proposal for a verified nuclear peace agreement, have not been met with enthusiasm from Khamenei. The supreme leader's indirect governance style leaves room for interpretation, complicating the prospects for future negotiations.
As tensions persist between the two nations, the possibility of renewed dialogue remains uncertain. Khamenei's firm stance against talks with the U.S. signals a challenging road ahead for diplomatic relations between Iran and America.
