TEHRAN, IRAN — Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has made it clear that he rejects any push for talks with the United States, stating that they would only serve to impose restrictions on Iran’s missile range and regional influence.
In a speech to a group of officials on Saturday, Khamenei did not mention the United States by name, but referred to a “bullying government” that is persistently pushing for talks.
“Their talks are not aimed at solving problems, it is for…let’s talk to impose what we want on the other party that is sitting on the opposite side of the table,” he said.
Khamenei’s remarks come just a day after President Donald Trump acknowledged sending a letter to Khamenei, seeking a new deal with Tehran to restrain its rapidly advancing nuclear program and replace the nuclear deal that he withdrew America from during his first term in office.
The Iranian Supreme Leader made it clear that any talks with the U.S. would only focus on military and regional issues, rather than addressing the actual problems between the two countries.
“They will be about defense capabilities, about international capabilities of the country,” he said. “They will urge Iran not to do things, not to meet certain people, not to go to certain places, not to produce certain items, and even restrict our missile range. Is it possible for anybody to accept these demands?”
Khamenei, who has the final say on all state matters, emphasized that such talks would not lead to solving problems between Iran and the West. He also pointed out that the push for talks creates pressure on Iran in the public opinion.
“It is not negotiation. It is commanding and imposition,” he stated.
President Trump, in a press conference on Friday, did not directly mention the letter, but made a veiled reference to possible military action, saying, “We have a situation with Iran that something’s going to happen very soon. Very, very soon.”
This overture from Trump comes as both Israel and the United States have made it clear that they will never allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon. This has led to fears of a potential military confrontation, especially as Tehran continues to enrich uranium at near-weapons-grade levels, a move that is only done by atomic-armed nations.
Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, despite increasing threats from its officials to pursue the bomb. Tensions are high with the U.S. over its sanctions and with Israel as a shaky ceasefire holds in its war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
The accelerated production of near-weapons-grade uranium by Iran puts more pressure on President Trump, who has repeatedly stated that he is open to negotiations with the Islamic Republic. However, he has also increased sanctions on Iran’s oil sales as part of his “maximum pressure” policy.
In late August, Khamenei had opened the door to possible talks with the U.S., stating that there is “no harm” in engaging with the “enemy.” However, he has since tempered his stance, stating that negotiations with America “are not intelligent, wise, or honorable,” after President Trump suggested the possibility of nuclear talks with Tehran.
It is clear that the Iranian Supreme Leader is not willing to engage in talks that would only serve to restrict Iran’s military capabilities and regional influence. He has made it clear that any negotiations must be based on mutual respect and equality, rather than being used as a tool for imposing demands on Iran.
The Iranian people stand united behind their leader in rejecting any attempts to undermine their country’s sovereignty and national interests. They have shown resilience in the face of economic sanctions and threats of military action, and will continue to do so as long as their leaders stand firm in protecting their rights.
It is time for the United States to recognize the importance of mutual respect and dialogue in resolving conflicts. The Iranian people are ready to engage in meaningful and respectful talks, but they will not be bullied or dictated to. It is time for the U.S. to abandon its aggressive policies and work towards building a peaceful and stable relationship with Iran. Only then can true progress and cooperation be achieved for the benefit of both nations and the entire region.
