Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated Tuesday that ongoing nuclear negotiations with the United States are unlikely to yield results, casting doubt on diplomatic efforts aimed at reviving the 2015 nuclear agreement. The statement comes amid increasing pressure over Tehran’s uranium enrichment program and the threat of new sanctions by Western powers.
Khamenei Rejects US Stance on Uranium Enrichment
During a public address on May 20, Khamenei emphasized that Iran would not accept restrictions on its nuclear program, calling U.S. opposition to uranium enrichment a “big mistake.” He also warned American negotiators to “refrain from speaking nonsense,” signaling Tehran’s frustration with Washington’s public and private messaging.
The Supreme Leader’s remarks follow four rounds of indirect, Oman-mediated talks between the United States and Iran since April 12. A fifth round is expected, though no formal schedule has been released.
US-Iran Talks: Limited Progress, Growing Frustrations
The negotiations represent the highest-level engagement between the two sides since the U.S. unilaterally withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018. The current round of diplomacy, though described by Iran as “difficult but useful” and by the U.S. as “encouraging,” has failed to yield tangible results.
Iran is enriching uranium to 60 percent purity—well above the 3.67 percent cap established by the JCPOA but still below the 90 percent threshold needed for weaponization. Iran continues to insist that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, while Western governments suspect Iran of seeking nuclear weapons capabilities.
Washington’s “Maximum Pressure” Strategy Resumes
Since returning to office in January, U.S. President Donald Trump has reinstated his “maximum pressure” policy. While signaling interest in diplomacy, Trump warned that military options remain on the table if Iran does not agree to U.S. demands.
On Sunday, lead U.S. negotiator Steve Witkoff reiterated that Washington “cannot allow even one percent of an enrichment capability.” Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded by stating that enrichment “will continue with or without a deal,” underlining Iran’s position that enrichment rights are non-negotiable.
UN Sanctions Deadline Looms
Parallel to the US-Iran talks, Iran met with the European signatories of the JCPOA—Britain, France, and Germany—on May 16. These countries are reportedly considering triggering the UN sanctions snapback mechanism in response to Iran’s non-compliance. The deadline to activate this mechanism expires in October 2025.
Araghchi urged Europe to help “begin a new chapter” and play a more active role in the negotiations, emphasizing that Iran is open to temporary limits on enrichment volume and levels, but not to halting enrichment altogether.
Strategic Outlook
Khamenei’s remarks signal that Iran is bracing for a prolonged standoff. With Washington maintaining economic sanctions and threatening further action, and Tehran escalating its enrichment activities, prospects for a return to the JCPOA remain uncertain.
The contradiction between U.S. public diplomacy and private negotiation messages, as noted by Iranian officials, may further complicate trust-building. Unless both sides adjust their positions or find a workable interim arrangement, the breakdown of talks could lead to renewed regional instability and a potential crisis at the UN level in the coming months.
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