Iran’s Supreme Leader Condemns “Arrogant and Rude” U.S. Nuclear Demands, Vows to Continue Uranium Enrichment

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, rejected the United States’ call to halt uranium enrichment, asserting that such a demand contradicts the nation’s interests. This statement comes as part of an ongoing nuclear dispute that has persisted for decades.

The U.S. had proposed a new nuclear agreement, which was communicated to Iran through Oman, a mediator in the discussions involving Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Steve Witkoff, a senior envoy from President Donald Trump’s administration. However, following five rounds of negotiations, significant divisions remain, particularly concerning Iran’s insistence on continuing uranium enrichment within its borders and its refusal to export its entire stockpile of highly enriched uranium, which could potentially be used for nuclear weapons.

Khamenei emphasized the significance of uranium enrichment to Iran’s nuclear ambitions during a televised address, stating, “Uranium enrichment is the key to our nuclear programme, and the enemies have focused on the enrichment.” He further criticized the U.S. proposal, claiming it undermines the Iranian ethos of self-reliance and the national principle of “We Can.”

The Supreme Leader’s rhetoric included a direct challenge to U.S. authority: “The rude and arrogant leaders of America repeatedly demand that we should not have a nuclear programme. Who are you to decide whether Iran should have enrichment?” This statement reflects Iran’s longstanding position that its nuclear program is intended for peaceful purposes, despite ongoing accusations from Western nations alleging ambitions for nuclear armament.

Experts indicate that Iran is likely to dismiss the U.S. proposal, deeming it a “non-starter”.