Iran’s Supreme Leader Rejects US Nuke Deal Proposal, Keeps Talks Open/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei criticized a U.S. proposal in ongoing nuclear talks but stopped short of rejecting future negotiations. He reaffirmed Iran’s stance on uranium enrichment, a key sticking point, but left room for a diplomatic resolution. As tensions rise in the Middle East, the potential deal could determine regional stability and economic relief for Iran.
Nuclear Negotiations Tensions: Quick Looks
- Khamenei Criticizes U.S. Proposal: Iran’s Supreme Leader calls the U.S. plan unacceptable but doesn’t reject talks outright.
- Enrichment Remains a Red Line: Tehran refuses to abandon uranium enrichment, citing national sovereignty.
- Proposal Details Remain Vague: U.S. may allow low-level enrichment through international consortium.
- Khamenei’s Strategic Silence: He avoids detailing enrichment limits or shutting down negotiations.
- Speech Marks Key Anniversary: Delivered during memorial for Ayatollah Khomeini, signaling symbolic significance.
- Talks Continue Despite Rhetoric: Iran expected to respond formally through Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
- Regional Implications High: Failure to reach a deal may escalate tensions across the Middle East.
- Sanctions Pressure Intensifies: Iran’s economy remains battered; nuclear deal seen as lifeline.
Deep Look: Khamenei Criticizes U.S. Proposal, Leaves Nuclear Deal Door Ajar
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei voiced strong criticism of the U.S. proposal in nuclear negotiations on Wednesday, but pointedly did not close the door on reaching an agreement. The comments came during a high-profile speech marking the anniversary of Grand Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini’s death—an occasion often used to frame major policy views.
While asserting Tehran’s right to continue enriching uranium, Khamenei refrained from setting hard limits on enrichment levels or terminating the diplomatic process altogether, a sign that negotiations could continue.
A Red Line Reaffirmed — But Dialogue Remains Possible
Khamenei underscored Iran’s refusal to dismantle its uranium enrichment program, a persistent demand from Washington. However, he did not demand a specific enrichment level, even though Iran currently enriches uranium to 60%, just shy of the 90% weapons-grade threshold.
“If we had 100 nuclear power plants while not having enrichment, they are not usable for us,” Khamenei said. “If we do not have enrichment, then we should extend our hand (begging) to the U.S.”
Despite the harsh tone, this leaves room for Iran’s negotiators to maneuver — possibly accepting limits on enrichment rather than its elimination.
Context and Symbolism of Khamenei’s Speech
The speech’s setting—the mausoleum of Khomeini, Iran’s revolutionary founder—offered a nationalistic backdrop for Khamenei’s remarks. In it, he walked a familiar line: defending Iran’s sovereignty while hinting at pragmatic diplomacy.
This balancing act reflects the Supreme Leader’s role in managing tensions between reformists who favor talks and hard-liners skeptical of engagement with Washington.
Khamenei described the U.S. position as “insolent,” accusing it of wanting to dismantle Iran’s nuclear capabilities entirely:
“Those currently in power, Zionist or American, should be aware that they can’t do a damn thing about this,” he said.
U.S. Proposal Details Still Taking Shape
According to Axios and other outlets, the U.S. is reportedly floating a consortium-led enrichment model, possibly permitting Iran and other countries to enrich uranium to a low level — around 3%. While not confirmed publicly by American officials, such a model may provide a path forward that maintains some enrichment within Iran while reducing proliferation risks.
Domestic and Regional Stakes
With U.S.-Iran relations strained and broader Middle East instability fueled by the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, the stakes of a failed deal are immense. Iran’s economy, already reeling from years of sanctions, could spiral further without a diplomatic breakthrough.
A collapse in talks could also trigger long-threatened Israeli or U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Additionally, Tehran might abandon cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), effectively removing the last safeguard on its nuclear activities.
Iran’s Nuclear Leverage and Economic Needs
While Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, it has long used enrichment as leverage to gain concessions. Many analysts believe the government’s ultimate goal is to keep its enrichment program intact while securing enough relief from sanctions to revive its economy.
Experts also warn that the collapse of negotiations could increase civil unrest in Iran, where inflation, currency devaluation, and political dissatisfaction already run high.
A Test of Diplomacy and Power Politics
The current moment marks a critical juncture. Both Tehran and Washington are under pressure: Iran to revive its economy and Washington to prevent nuclear escalation amid broader geopolitical tensions, especially with China and Russia in play.
Despite Khamenei’s defiant tone, his omission of direct opposition to talks hints at a careful diplomatic calibration — one aimed at keeping pressure on the U.S. while preserving room for compromise.
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