Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, lashed out on Saturday against what he termed bullying tactics by foreign powers, following U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat of military action if Iran refuses to negotiate over its nuclear program.
“Khamenei dismissed the notion of negotiations aimed at solving problems,” a senior Iranian official noted. “Instead, he insisted that these talks are designed for domination—a tactic that he believes will never meet Iran’s genuine security needs.”
On Friday, Trump claimed to have written to Khamenei urging new nuclear talks, warning of military consequences should Iran stand its ground. However, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi later confirmed that no such letter had been received.
Khamenei further criticized the new demands imposed by these “bully” powers, arguing that they have set unrealistic expectations that Iran is not prepared to meet. “They claim Iran has not fulfilled its JCPOA commitments, yet they have not fulfilled theirs,” he said, questioning the credibility of such assertions.
The Iranian leader recalled that Tehran abided by the terms of the 2015 nuclear agreement for a full year after Trump’s withdrawal in 2018, before domestic legislation forced a rollback of some of its commitments. Since then, Iran has significantly ramped up its uranium enrichment levels—a move that, according to U.S. officials, could enable it to produce a nuclear weapon within weeks if it so chooses, though Tehran maintains its nuclear program remains peaceful, underpinned by a religious decree issued by Khamenei.
Khamenei’s remarks come at a time when Tehran has been engaged in quiet diplomatic efforts with European signatories to the JCPOA, even as Washington’s policy of “maximum pressure” continues to strain relations. He concluded his address by reiterating his skepticism toward further talks with the United States, stating that he does not consider Trump a leader worthy of direct dialogue.
The stark rhetoric underscores the deep divisions over Iran’s nuclear future and reflects the ongoing geopolitical tug-of-war that continues to shape regional stability.
