Iran’s Khamenei Rejects Trump’s Nuclear Negotiation Offer

In a recent address, Iran's supreme leader dismissed President Trump's outreach concerning nuclear talks, underscoring Tehran's resistance to U.S. demands.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran, expressed clear discontent over President Trump's recent overture regarding negotiations on the country's nuclear program. Speaking at a Ramadan meeting with government and military officials, Khamenei condemned what he referred to as “bullying governments,” alluding to the U.S. without directly mentioning Trump or referencing the letter sent earlier this week.

“Some bullying governments insist on negotiations not to resolve issues but to impose,” he stated, indicating that any discussions would lead to further demands beyond the nuclear issue. He emphasized that Iran would not acquiesce to what he termed unacceptable conditions.

Earlier in the week, Trump warned during an Oval Office appearance that Iran's nuclear capabilities are advancing dangerously close to being weaponizable, stating that they had accumulated enough near-bomb-grade fuel to potentially manufacture six nuclear weapons. He offered Iran a chance to negotiate its nuclear program or face severe consequences, including military action.

The contents of Trump's letter, sent on Wednesday, were not disclosed by the White House, and Khamenei’s remarks suggest a stark disagreement exists within Iranian leadership regarding the negotiation path. While Khamenei remains firm against negotiation, some moderate and reformist factions, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, support the idea of engaging in talks.

The situation is complicated by Iran's prior commitment to the 2015 nuclear accord which had effectively limited its nuclear activity, a deal that Trump criticized and subsequently abandoned during his first term, reinstating stringent economic sanctions on Iran. Experts claim the breakdown in diplomacy has led Iran's nuclear program to a critical juncture.

Trump’s latest proposal may face further setbacks due to earlier disruptions of U.S. initiatives aimed at monitoring Iran’s nuclear intentions. Although one of these programs has been restored, concerns remain about the overall integrity of global nuclear non-proliferation efforts as tensions escalate.

Farnaz Fassihi contributed reporting. Eve Sampson, a journalist focusing on international news, is part of the 2024-25 Times Fellowship program for emerging journalists.