Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has firmly dismissed a US initiative for dialogue aimed at curbing Iran’s missile capabilities and regional influence, portraying such discussions as a form of coercion rather than genuine negotiation. In remarks made to officials on Saturday, Khamenei refrained from naming the US explicitly but referred to it as a “bullying government,” criticising its insistence on talks.
Khamenei argued that these proposed discussions are designed to impose conditions on Iran, stating, “Their talks are not aimed at solving problems… it is to impose what we want on the other party that is sitting on the opposite side of the table.” His comments follow President Donald Trump’s recent acknowledgment of sending a letter to Khamenei proposing a new agreement to limit Iran’s advancing nuclear programme and replace the previous deal from which the US withdrew.
The Supreme Leader indicated that US demands would extend beyond military matters to encompass Iran’s international engagements and defence capabilities, which, he contended, would include restrictions on Iran’s missile range and interactions with certain entities. He questioned the acceptability of such conditions, stating, “Is it possible for anybody to accept these?”
Khamenei, who holds the ultimate authority over Iran’s state matters, dismissed the notion that these dialogues could resolve issues between Iran and the West, describing them instead as a form of public pressure rather than negotiation. He labelled the US approach as “commanding and imposition” rather than a genuine attempt at diplomatic resolution.
During recent statements from the Oval Office, Trump suggested that military action could soon follow concerning Iran, emphasizing that “something’s going to happen very soon.” This comes in the context of collective warnings from both Israel and the US regarding preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weaponry, especially as Tehran enriches uranium to levels nearing weapon-grade.
While Iran maintains that its nuclear programme is strictly for peaceful purposes, escalating tensions with the US and its retaliatory sanctions continue to ignite fears of military conflict. In prior remarks, Khamenei had shown willingness for engagement, saying that there is “no harm” in talking with adversaries. However, he later revised this stance, calling negotiations with the US “not intelligent, wise or honorable” after Trump floated the possibility of nuclear discussions.
Iran’s return to closer scrutiny comes as ongoing production of near-weapons-grade uranium intensifies pressure on Trump, who has expressed openness to negotiations but simultaneously escalates sanctions on Iranian oil sales within his “maximum pressure” strategy.