TEHRAN: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has sharply criticized U.S. demands regarding Iran’s nuclear program, calling them “nonsense” as high-stakes negotiations between Tehran and Washington show signs of unraveling.
“Saying things like ‘We will not allow Iran to enrich uranium’ is nonsense. No one in Iran is waiting for others’ permission,” Khamenei declared in a televised address reported by the semi-official, He added that he was uncertain whether the current diplomatic efforts would yield any results.
Since mid-April, four rounds of indirect talks have been held between the U.S. and Iran, mediated by Oman. These discussions aim to limit Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for easing economic sanctions. However, persistent disagreements particularly over the scope of uranium enrichment have cast doubt on the fifth round, which Reuters reported was expected to take place in Rome over the weekend.
Tensions have been further inflamed by the Biden administration’s revival of a hardline stance toward Iran. President Donald Trump abandoned the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) during his previous term. Since returning to office in January, Trump has reinstated his “maximum pressure” campaign, cautioning last week that negotiations must “move quickly or something bad is going to happen.”
With both sides holding firm to their red lines, the prospects for a renewed agreement remain precarious.
TEHRAN: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has sharply criticized U.S. demands regarding Iran’s nuclear program, calling them “nonsense” as high-stakes negotiations between Tehran and Washington show signs of unraveling.
“Saying things like ‘We will not allow Iran to enrich uranium’ is nonsense. No one in Iran is waiting for others’ permission,” Khamenei declared in a televised address reported by the semi-official, He added that he was uncertain whether the current diplomatic efforts would yield any results.
Since mid-April, four rounds of indirect talks have been held between the U.S. and Iran, mediated by Oman. These discussions aim to limit Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for easing economic sanctions. However, persistent disagreements particularly over the scope of uranium enrichment have cast doubt on the fifth round, which Reuters reported was expected to take place in Rome over the weekend.
Tensions have been further inflamed by the Biden administration’s revival of a hardline stance toward Iran. President Donald Trump abandoned the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) during his previous term. Since returning to office in January, Trump has reinstated his “maximum pressure” campaign, cautioning last week that negotiations must “move quickly or something bad is going to happen.” With both sides holding firm to their red lines, the prospects for a renewed agreement remain precarious
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