Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned U.S. bullying tactics following President Trump’s threats of military action if Iran does not negotiate its nuclear program. Khamenei emphasized that negotiations are aimed at domination, while Iran maintains its compliance with the JCPOA and the peaceful nature of its nuclear activities. He firmly rejects any discussions with the U.S. following its withdrawal from the 2015 agreement.
On Saturday, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, criticized perceived bullying tactics by some governments, which he associated with recent threats from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding military action if Iran does not engage in negotiations over its nuclear program. Khamenei articulated, “Some bully governments… insist on negotiations,” characterizing these talks as efforts aimed at dominance rather than problem-solving.
Following Trump’s assertion that he had contacted Khamenei to discuss negotiations, Khamenei expressed disdain for the expectations set by external powers, which he implied would not be met by Iran. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated that Tehran would not engage in talks under maximum pressure, although he did not directly address the president’s letter. Trump’s administration re-established a maximum pressure stance upon his return to the White House, denoting a withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018.
This agreement, crafted in 2015, previously offered Iran relief from sanctions in return for consenting to restrictions on its nuclear activities. Khamenei reproached three European signatories to the JCPOA—Britain, France, and Germany—for claiming that Iran has not met its obligations under the accord. He countered by questioning their own adherence to the agreement, stating, “Okay, have you fulfilled your commitments under the JCPOA?”
With U.S. officials warning that Iran could develop a nuclear weapon within weeks, Tehran continues to assert the peaceful intent of its nuclear program, credited to a religious edict from Khamenei prohibiting such weapons. Khamenei has consistently opposed negotiations with the United States, labeling them as “unwise” and criticizing Washington for dismantling the JCPOA. Historical attempts at mediation, such as Japan’s Shinzo Abe’s 2019 visit to Iran, have also met resistance, as Khamenei has dismissed engaging with Trump as unworthy of consideration.
In summary, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s recent remarks highlight a staunch refusal to engage in negotiations with the United States under perceived coercive pressure. He emphasizes the distinction between assertive diplomatic engagements and the dominance sought by certain global powers. Khamenei maintains Iran’s commitment to a peaceful nuclear program while critiquing the failure of other nations to uphold their agreements. The ongoing situation illustrates significant tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions and international diplomacy.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
