Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, criticized “bullying” nations in response to Donald Trump’s letter demanding negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program. Trump warned Iran of potential military action if it does not agree to talks, stating he prefers a diplomatic resolution. Khamenei dismissed the idea of negotiations, asserting they aim for domination rather than problem-solving. Iran has significantly advanced its nuclear program, producing highly enriched uranium near weapons-grade levels. Tensions are heightened by regional conflicts and US sanctions. Iran plans to conduct joint naval drills with Russia and China amid these escalating pressures.
Iran’s Supreme Leader has condemned countries he considers to be “bullying” in what seems to be a reaction to Donald Trump’s letter demanding negotiations regarding its nuclear program.
On Friday, Trump stated he had sent a warning to Tehran, indicating that military action could be on the table unless they consented to discussions about a nuclear deal.
In a heated response the following day, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei asserted that Iran would not engage in negotiations with “bullying governments” that insist on talks.
According to UN monitors, Iran has made significant progress in its nuclear program in recent years.
Trump has expressed a desire to establish a new agreement with Iran to halt its further development of nuclear capabilities.
On Friday, he mentioned that he had given Iran an opportunity to negotiate or face potential targeting of its nuclear program.
“I’ve written them a letter, expressing my hope that they will negotiate because if we have to resort to military action, it will be disastrous for them,” Trump told Fox Business.
“Iran can be dealt with in one of two ways – militarily or through a deal,” Trump noted. “I would choose to negotiate, as my intention is not to harm Iran.”
Ayatollah Khamenei seemed to address Trump’s comments during a Ramadan meeting with officials on Saturday, as reported by local media.
While he didn’t mention the U.S. directly, he pointed out that “certain bullying governments insist on negotiations.”
“Their negotiations are not aimed at resolving issues; they seek domination,” he remarked according to Iranian reports.
“The concern extends beyond just the nuclear issue. They are imposing new expectations that Iran will certainly not fulfill.”
In December, the head of the UN nuclear watchdog expressed concern over Iran starting to produce significantly more highly enriched uranium.
Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), stated that Iran was increasing its stockpile of uranium enriched to 60%, which is just shy of the purity required for a nuclear weapon.
Tehran has rejected allegations of building nuclear weapons, asserting that its program is aimed at peaceful uses.
Iran had previously complied with restrictions on its nuclear program under the 2015 Iran nuclear accord, an agreement made with the U.S., UK, France, China, Russia, and Germany in exchange for sanctions relief.
However, during his first term, Trump exited the agreement and reinstated U.S. sanctions on Iran.
Since the collapse of the deal, Iran has expedited its nuclear program, increasing its uranium enrichment levels. Analysts suggest it now possesses stocks approaching weapons-grade quality.
In the past year, conflicts in the Middle East have further escalated nuclear tensions.
President Trump indicated that he would permit Israel to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities, following a series of attacks between Israel and Iran last year related to disputes in Gaza and Lebanon. Iranian air defense systems, which are used to protect its nuclear sites, were reportedly damaged in Israeli strikes on military locations.
The Iranian government is also facing economic difficulties due to Western sanctions and has experienced nationwide protests in recent years, driven by both social and economic issues.
On Monday, Iran plans to conduct its annual joint naval drills with Russia and China at the Iranian port of Chabahar.