"We doubt we will reach a conclusion," Iran’s Supreme Leader on US-Iran nuclear talks

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has publicly dismissed the likelihood of a resolution with the United States, citing what he calls “nonsense” demands, especially Washington’s insistence that Iran halt its uranium enrichment activities. This hardening of positions has further complicated the already fragile US-Iran nuclear talks, which resumed earlier this month in Oman.

The Supreme Leader’s remarks reflect deepening skepticism in Tehran, especially after years of indirect dialogue that have yielded little progress. “We doubt we will reach a conclusion,” he stated bluntly on his official platform. His comments come at a time when the U.S. has also toughened its stance, with its delegation signaling a zero-tolerance policy toward Iran’s domestic enrichment of uranium, a core sticking point in the negotiations.

Enrichment Rights Remain a Flashpoint of US-Iran Nuclear Talks

Iran maintains its right to enrich uranium under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), a point reiterated by multiple Iranian officials, including Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi. The Iranians argue that surrendering this right would be a betrayal of their sovereignty and a one-sided compromise.

The United States, meanwhile, appears to be walking a political tightrope. While previous comments by U.S. officials left room for limited enrichment under strict oversight, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff recently declared that even “1% of enrichment capability” is unacceptable under any new deal. His team has submitted a revised proposal, but Iran is yet to respond affirmatively.

Adding to the complexity, the recent fourth round of US-Iran nuclear talks in Oman were described as “difficult” by Iran’s foreign ministry. The next round could take place in Europe later this week, though no date has been confirmed.