Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei firmly rejected a U.S. proposal aimed at curbing Tehran’s nuclear programme.
Speaking at a ceremony commemorating the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, Khamenei declared that halting uranium enrichment is “100% against” Iran’s national interests, emphasising the country’s commitment to self-reliance and energy independence.
The U.S. proposal, presented through Omani mediation, suggested limiting Iran’s uranium enrichment and exporting its enriched uranium stockpile.
Khamenei criticised the proposal as undermining Iranian sovereignty, stating, “Who are you to decide whether Iran should have enrichment?”
Despite rejecting the current proposal, Khamenei did not rule out the possibility of reaching an agreement, leaving room for continued negotiations.
Iran maintains that its nuclear ambitions are peaceful, denying intentions to develop nuclear weapons.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently reported that Iran has significantly increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels, raising international concerns.
The U.S. has reinstated sanctions and threatened military action to curb Iran’s nuclear capability.
The strained relations are exacerbated by Iran’s internal crises and threats from Israel, which views Iran’s nuclear development as a direct threat.
Tehran has pledged to respond strongly to any military aggression.
