Iran’s Khamenei maintains tough rhetoric with US despite nuclear talks | Conflict News
Tehran, Iran – Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has challenged U.S. President Donald Trump, expressing skepticism about negotiations with the Trump administration. This came despite an assertion from Iran’s Foreign Minister that progress had been made on the foundational principles of a potential agreement.
In a statement made on Tuesday, the 86-year-old Khamenei noted Trump’s admission that the United States has attempted to undermine Iran’s theocratic regime since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, but has been unsuccessful. “This is a good confession. You will not be able to do this either,” Khamenei remarked, referring to Trump’s recent comments that a change in Iran’s government would be “the best thing that could happen.”
Khamenei further utilized historical and religious references to underscoring his rejection of any substantial agreement with the U.S., asserting that the Iranian people “will not pledge allegiance to corrupt leaders like those in power in America today.” He criticized U.S. demands for negotiations centered around nuclear energy, specifically objecting to calls for Iran to cease uranium enrichment.
These remarks followed comments by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who reported productive discussions during indirect talks with the U.S. in Geneva. Araghchi characterized the atmosphere as constructive, stating that some agreements and guiding principles had been established, with hopes of drafting a formal document.
The Iranian negotiating team conveyed a serious commitment to the talks, emphasizing the desire to alleviate severe U.S. sanctions imposed after Trump withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018.
In parallel talks in Switzerland, U.S. officials, including special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, addressed issues concerning Iran while also engaging in discussions about Ukraine and Russia. Both negotiating teams met with Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad al-Busaidi and Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, who may oversee future inspections of Iranian nuclear sites.
Washington maintains that Iran must not enrich uranium and is required to submit its stockpiles of highly enriched uranium, believed to be uncovered following U.S. airstrikes in June. The U.S., alongside Israel, insists on curbing Iran’s missile program and its support for militant groups in the region. Iran, however, has rejected these conditions, citing infringements on national rights.
The Iranian delegation proposed diluting uranium and including the U.S. in the potential economic benefits of a new agreement. Hamid Ghanbari, Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, suggested potential deals in quickly achievable economic sectors, such as selling energy and joint ventures in oil and gas.
The Iranian rial weakened after the Geneva talks ended, trading at approximately 1.63 million rials per U.S. dollar, close to an all-time low following economic struggles and anti-government protests.
Ali Vaez, director at the International Crisis Group, expressed concerns over the quick conclusion of negotiations, noting that complex agreements require extensive negotiation and expertise.
On the ground, tensions remain high. The U.S. is continuing to build up its military presence in the region, including positioning another aircraft carrier and air defense systems to counter potential Iranian threats. Khamenei asserted that Iran possesses weapons capable of sinking an aircraft carrier, as military exercises were conducted by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
During these exercises, the IRGC indicated readiness to close the strait, which serves as a crucial passage for global oil shipments. State television showcased missile launches from warships into the sea during the drills.
Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, also held discussions in Tehran with Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilyov regarding potential new energy agreements.
Iranian media extensively covered both the Geneva talks and military maneuvers, with little indication of optimism regarding a future agreement between Iran and the U.S. Headlines from various publications reflected the prevailing sentiment, highlighting the challenges both sides face in reaching a compromise.
