TEHRAN, IRAN — Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has made it clear that he rejects any push for talks with the United States, as it would only serve as a means of imposing restrictions on Iran’s missile range and regional influence.
During a gathering with officials on Saturday, Khamenei did not directly mention the U.S. but referred to a “bullying government” that is persistent in its efforts for talks.
He stated, “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.”
Khamenei’s remarks came just a day after U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged sending a letter to him, seeking a new deal with Tehran to restrain its nuclear program and replace the existing nuclear deal, which the U.S. withdrew from during Trump’s first term in office.
The Iranian leader emphasized that the U.S. demands would be military in nature and focused on limiting Iran’s regional influence.
“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 they will also impose restrictions on our missile range. Is it possible for anybody to accept these demands?”
Khamenei, who holds the final say in all state matters, made it clear that such talks would not address the real problems between Iran and the West. Although he did not name any specific person or country, he mentioned that the push for talks creates pressure on Iran in the public opinion.
“It is not negotiation. It is commanding and imposition,” he added.
Trump, in a press conference on Friday, did not directly mention the letter to Khamenei, but he did hint at possible military action, stating, “We have a situation with Iran that, something is going to happen very soon. Very, very soon.”
This move by Trump comes as both the U.S. and Israel have repeatedly warned against Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon, leading to concerns of a potential military conflict as Iran continues to enrich uranium at near-weapons-grade levels. This is something that is usually only done by nuclear-armed nations.
Meanwhile, Tehran has maintained that its nuclear program is strictly for peaceful purposes, but its officials have also been increasingly vocal about the possibility of pursuing nuclear weapons amidst high tensions with the U.S. over sanctions and with Israel as a fragile ceasefire remains in place in its conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Iran’s accelerated production of near-weapons-grade uranium has also put more pressure on Trump, who has repeatedly stated his willingness to engage in negotiations with the Islamic Republic. However, as part of his “maximum pressure” policy, he has also imposed sanctions on Iran’s oil sales.
In late August, Khamenei had signaled the possibility of 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 Trump suggested the possibility of nuclear talks with Tehran.
In conclusion, it is clear that any push for talks between the U.S. and Iran would not be beneficial for either party. Instead of engaging in futile negotiations, both sides should focus on finding a peaceful and mutually beneficial solution to their issues. As the supreme leader has rightly pointed out, talks that are aimed at imposing restrictions and demands will only lead to further tension and animosity. It is time for both nations to put aside their differences and work towards building a more peaceful and stable future for the region.
