Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, has rejected a recent proposal from U.S. President Donald Trump to initiate new nuclear negotiations, labeling the offer as “deceptive.” The proposal was conveyed through a letter delivered by Anwar Gargash, a senior adviser to the President of the United Arab Emirates, to Iranian officials in Tehran.
Iran’s Stance on Negotiations
In a public address, Khamenei criticized the U.S. approach, asserting that the offer for talks was a tactic to portray Iran as unwilling to engage diplomatically. He emphasized that Iran does not seek nuclear weapons but warned that if it chose to pursue them, external powers could not prevent it.
Regional and International Reactions
The proposal and its subsequent rejection come amid heightened tensions over Iran’s nuclear activities:
- United Nations Security Council: The U.N. Security Council convened to address concerns about Iran’s uranium enrichment, with Britain warning that U.N. sanctions could be reimposed to deter nuclear weapons development.
- Regional Concerns: Qatar’s Prime Minister cautioned that any military action against Iran’s nuclear facilities could contaminate the Gulf’s water supply, affecting countries like Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait.
The U.S. withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018, reinstating sanctions against Iran. Efforts to renegotiate the deal have faced challenges, with Iran advancing its nuclear program and the international community expressing concerns over potential weaponization.
