Khamenei Rejects Trump's Offer, Criticizes European Powers and US Tactics

Iran's Supreme Leader Rejects Trump's Negotiation Offer, Criticizes European Powers

In response to Donald Trump's threat of military action and call for new negotiations over Iran's nuclear program, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has strongly condemned what he described as "bullying tactics."

Khamenei accused foreign powers, without explicitly naming the United States or Trump, of using negotiations as a tool for domination rather than problem-solving. He emphasized that Iran would not succumb to pressure and would not meet their unrealistic expectations.

Regarding Trump's letter urging talks, Khamenei stated that Iran had not yet received it. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated Iran's stance of not negotiating under "maximum pressure," a policy implemented by Trump upon returning to office.

Khamenei also criticized the European powers involved in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the 2015 nuclear deal, for accusing Iran of not fulfilling its commitments. He pointed out that Iran had adhered to its obligations for a year but was forced to scale back its commitments due to the lack of compliance from other parties.

Despite US estimates that Iran could produce a nuclear weapon within weeks, Tehran has consistently denied pursuing such weapons, emphasizing the peaceful nature of its nuclear program and citing a religious decree by Khamenei prohibiting their development.

Khamenei remains firmly opposed to negotiations with the US, calling them "unwise" and accusing Washington of violating the JCPOA. He previously rejected Trump's call for a new nuclear deal and refused to engage in any communication with the US president.