Iran’s Khamenei Warns U.S. Over Nuclear Talks (VIDEO)

In a sharp rebuke during ongoing nuclear discussions, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivered a pointed warning to the United States, criticizing what he described as arrogant rhetoric from Washington.

His comments come amid a new round of indirect negotiations between Iran and the U.S., focused on reviving elements of the stalled nuclear deal.

“The American side in these indirect negotiations should avoid spouting nonsense,” Khamenei said during a public address. “Saying ‘we won’t allow Iran to enrich uranium’ is sheer audacity. The Islamic Republic doesn’t wait for permission from anyone and follows its own independent path.”

Khamenei’s remarks underline Tehran’s longstanding stance on its right to develop nuclear technology for what it insists are peaceful purposes. However, the international community—particularly the United States and its Western allies—remains deeply concerned about the possibility of Iran developing a nuclear weapon.

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The indirect talks are the latest attempt to salvage parts of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), from which the U.S. unilaterally withdrew in 2018 under then-President Donald Trump. Since then, Iran has expanded its nuclear activities, including uranium enrichment beyond the limits set by the original agreement.

Khamenei’s statement reflects growing frustration in Tehran over perceived double standards and continued pressure from the West. He framed Iran’s nuclear progress as a matter of national sovereignty, adding that decisions on enrichment are made “based on national interest, not foreign dictates.”

The Biden administration has maintained that diplomacy remains the preferred path, but it also warns that all options are on the table if Iran continues to defy international nuclear standards. Meanwhile, Khamenei’s rhetoric suggests that Tehran is in no mood to compromise on what it sees as its sovereign rights.

As the talks proceed behind closed doors, the path forward remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: Iran’s leadership is not backing down, and tensions between Washington and Tehran show no sign of easing.