Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has rejected the US proposal for talks between the two countries, stating that the US is seeking to limit the range of Iran’s missiles and its influence in the region.
In a speech to a group of officials on Saturday, Khamenei did not mention the US by name, but referred to a “tyrannical government” that is persistently pushing for talks. He claimed that the US is not interested in resolving problems, but rather in imposing its will on the other side.
Khamenei’s remarks came a day after US President Donald Trump confirmed sending a letter to Khamenei, in which he expressed his willingness to negotiate a new agreement with Tehran to curb its rapidly advancing nuclear program and replace the 2015 nuclear deal, from which the US withdrew during Trump’s first term.
Khamenei stated that the US demands are of a military nature and relate to Iran’s influence in the region. He questioned the possibility of accepting such demands, saying that the US would seek to restrict Iran’s defense capabilities and international presence.
Khamenei, who has the final say in all state matters, emphasized that such talks would not contribute to the resolution of problems between Iran and the West. Although he did not mention specific individuals or countries, he criticized the pressure on Iran in the public sphere, calling it “not a negotiation, but an order and an appeal.” In a separate development, Trump hinted at possible military action in a press conference on Friday, stating that “something will happen with Iran very soon, very soon.