Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, responded to criticisms from the U.S. regarding Iran’s nuclear program, stating that Iran will not seek permission from anyone to enrich uranium and dismissing American statements as “nonsense.”
During a memorial for late President Ebrahim Raisi, Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized that no one in Iran is waiting for anyone’s permission to enrich uranium, affirming that the Islamic Republic has its own policies and will adhere to them.
Khamenei’s remarks came as indirect talks between Iran and the U.S. reportedly continue, though he expressed doubt about their outcome.
Referring to past indirect negotiations, Ayatollah Khamenei mentioned that similar discussions were held during Raisi’s presidency without yielding significant results. He expressed skepticism about the current negotiations, stating uncertainty about their outcome.
His comments reflect Tehran’s growing frustration with the stalled nuclear discussions, as well as the broader tensions that have defined U.S.-Iran relations in recent years.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei told the state-run IRNA news agency that “no definitive decision has been made about the next round of negotiations,” adding that “the Islamic Republic of Iran is reviewing the matter while considering the U.S. side’s contradictory and constantly changing positions.”
IRNA also reported that Kazem Gharibabadi, the deputy foreign minister, said that Tehran had received a proposal regarding the next round of indirect talks with Washington and was currently reviewing it.
Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.