Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has expressed skepticism over ongoing nuclear negotiations with the United States, saying the talks are unlikely to produce any results. His comments come amid a renewed diplomatic push between the two countries, mediated by Oman.
In a speech on Tuesday, Khamenei said, “We do not expect anything to come out of negotiations with the United States. We don’t know what will happen, but denying Iran’s right to enrich uranium would be a big mistake.”
The remarks were reported by French news agency AFP and highlight the persisting deadlock in discussions over Iran’s nuclear program. Since April 12, Iran and the U.S. have held four rounds of indirect talks in Oman, representing the highest level of contact since Washington unilaterally withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement.
A fifth round of discussions was agreed upon during the latest meeting on May 11. Tehran described the session as “difficult but useful,” while U.S. officials said they felt “encouraged.”
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Enrichment Beyond Agreed Limits
Iran is currently enriching uranium up to 60%, well beyond the 3.67% limit agreed under the 2015 deal, though still below the 90% level required for weapons-grade material. Western nations, including the U.S., have long accused Iran of seeking nuclear weapons capability — a claim Tehran denies, asserting that its nuclear program is purely for peaceful purposes.
Khamenei and other Iranian officials have repeatedly insisted that uranium enrichment is Iran’s sovereign right and “non-negotiable.” However, the U.S. chief negotiator, Steve Wutkeoff, recently described even “1% enrichment capability” as a red line that Washington cannot accept.
Iran Open to Compromise, But Warns of Consequences
Iranian Foreign Minister and chief negotiator Abbas Araghchi suggested on social media platform X that an agreement could still be possible. “If the United States truly wants to ensure Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons, then a deal can be made,” he wrote. “We are ready for serious talks to reach a solution that guarantees this outcome permanently.”
He emphasized, however, that uranium enrichment will continue “with or without an agreement.”
Diplomats close to the negotiations said Iran might be willing to temporarily limit the level and quantity of uranium enrichment, though no formal commitments have been made.
Return of Trump’s ‘Maximum Pressure’ Policy
Since retaking office in January, former President Donald Trump has reinstated his “maximum pressure” campaign against Tehran. While expressing support for nuclear diplomacy, Trump has also warned that military options remain on the table if talks fail.
In recent statements, Trump said that if Iran does not move toward a deal, “something bad is going to happen,” while also suggesting that a potential agreement could still be reached to prevent conflict.
Iranian officials have criticized these mixed signals. Abbas Araghchi accused Washington of inconsistency, saying, “There is a clear contradiction between what our American counterparts say in public and what they express in private.”
Despite the ongoing dialogue, the U.S. has not lifted sanctions targeting Iran’s oil industry and nuclear program — a sticking point that continues to undermine trust between the two nations.
