Tensions between Iran and the United States have escalated once again, with Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, strongly criticizing what he described as “bullying tactics” by foreign powers.
His remarks came in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest threat of military action if Tehran refuses to engage in new negotiations over its nuclear program.
Speaking to Iranian officials on Saturday, Khamenei rejected calls for dialogue, asserting that such negotiations are not meant to resolve issues but to impose dominance. “Some bully governments insist on negotiations. But their negotiations are not aimed at solving problems; they aim at domination,” he stated.
His remarks followed Trump’s claim on Friday that he had sent a letter to Khamenei, urging Iran to engage in fresh talks or risk military consequences. The Iranian leader, however, dismissed such pressures, arguing that global powers are setting unrealistic demands that Tehran will not accept.
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Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, echoed Khamenei’s sentiments in an interview with AFP, emphasizing that Tehran would not negotiate under “maximum pressure.”
Trump, upon returning to the White House in January, reinstated his controversial policy of maximum pressure, which he had originally implemented during his first term.
The United States withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal—formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)—in 2018, reimposing severe economic sanctions on Iran. The agreement, signed between Iran and major world powers, had provided sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on Tehran’s nuclear activities.
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Despite U.S. withdrawal, Iran has attempted to engage diplomatically with European signatories—Britain, France, and Germany—to salvage the deal.
However, Khamenei criticized these nations on Saturday, accusing them of failing to uphold their commitments under the JCPOA. “You say Iran has not fulfilled its commitments under the JCPOA. Okay, but have you fulfilled yours?” he challenged.
U.S. officials now estimate that Iran could produce a nuclear weapon within weeks if it decided to pursue one. However, Iran has consistently denied seeking nuclear weapons, citing a religious decree issued by Khamenei that explicitly prohibits their development.
Last month, Khamenei reiterated his opposition to negotiations with Washington, labeling such talks as “unwise.” He accused the U.S. of “ruining, violating, and tearing up” the JCPOA, reinforcing his stance against engaging with American officials.
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