TEHRAN – In a tone marked by skepticism and resilience, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Tuesday that the recent nuclear negotiations with the United States were unlikely to result in any tangible outcomes. Speaking frankly during a national address, Khamenei questioned the intentions behind the ongoing talks and reaffirmed Iran’s right to nuclear development within peaceful bounds.
“We don’t think it will lead to any outcome. We don’t know what will happen,” he stated. His words reflect a deep-rooted distrust that has shaped decades of complicated relations between Tehran and Washington. He also called the ongoing insistence by the U.S. to limit Iran’s uranium enrichment “a big mistake,” signaling Iran’s steadfast stance on maintaining its technological and national dignity.
Since April, both nations have engaged in four indirect, Omani-mediated rounds of nuclear discussions — the highest-level contact since the U.S. walked away from the landmark 2015 nuclear agreement. A fifth round was expected after their last session on May 11, which both sides acknowledged was “difficult but useful.”
While Washington’s envoy described recent progress as “encouraging,” the gap between rhetoric and reality continues to widen. Iran currently enriches uranium up to 60%, nearing weapons-grade levels. The 2015 deal capped that at 3.67%. Western nations fear weaponization, but Tehran firmly insists its nuclear ambitions are peaceful and grounded in energy sovereignty.
Chief U.S. negotiator Steve Witkoff recently reemphasized that even “one percent” enrichment capability is unacceptable. Khamenei, however, dismissed such remarks, urging American officials to “refrain from speaking nonsense.”
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, weighing in during a Senate hearing, claimed Iran’s nuclear efforts were more about national pride and strategic deterrence than energy needs.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded by underlining Iran’s readiness to continue enrichment regardless of the talks’ fate. “If the US wants a deal that ensures Iran won’t build nuclear weapons, one is within reach. But we need real, serious dialogue — not double standards,” he posted on X.
Meanwhile, former President Trump’s “maximum pressure” policy, which includes threats of crippling sanctions and military action, has only deepened Iran’s mistrust. Iranian officials say these mixed messages — diplomacy in words, but pressure in action — have derailed progress.
“There’s a clear contradiction between what American negotiators say behind closed doors and what they say in public,” Araghchi remarked.
Iran also continues parallel talks with European powers — Britain, France, and Germany — in an effort to salvage cooperation under the original 2015 deal. These European nations are reportedly considering reimposing UN sanctions should Iran fail to comply with agreed limits. The deadline for triggering such mechanisms looms in October.
Despite the tensions, Iran has signaled willingness to “begin a new chapter” with Europe, urging its counterparts to play a more constructive and independent role in nuclear diplomacy.
The road ahead remains uncertain. For now, Iran stands firm: enrichment is not just about nuclear fuel — it’s about national identity, independence, and being treated as an equal on the global stage.
