Iran's Supreme Leader Rejects Trump's Proposal for Talks
"Not a Genuine Attempt to Resolve Issues"
US: "Hope Iran Prioritizes Its People Over Terrorism"
Iran has rejected US President Donald Trump's proposal to negotiate on Iran's nuclear weapons development issue.
Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, reportedly rejected the US's offer for talks during a Ramadan meeting held on the 8th (local time) in Tehran, attended by the three branches' officials and senior military and civilian leaders, according to foreign media including AP and CNN.
According to reports, Supreme Leader Khamenei dismissed the idea of dialogue with the US, which seeks to limit Iran's missile range and expand its influence in the region. Notably, he referred to the US not by its country name but as "bully states."
Supreme Leader Khamenei stated, "The negotiation demands of the bully states are not genuine attempts to resolve issues but merely efforts to impose their own demands," and added, "Iran will never accept their expectations," as reported by Iran's state news agency IRNA.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump revealed that he had sent a letter to Supreme Leader Khamenei proposing nuclear negotiations. He expressed confidence that there would soon be progress, emphasizing his desire for a peace agreement with Iran.
In an interview with Fox Business News on the 7th, President Trump said, "I wrote them a letter saying, 'I hope you negotiate because if we have to go in militarily, it would be a terrible thing.'" He added, "I would rather negotiate. I don't know if everyone agrees with me, but you can make a deal as good as winning militarily." He continued, "Now is the time. The time is approaching. Things will move forward one way or another."
However, Iran remains skeptical about talks with the US. Abbas Araghchi, Iran's Foreign Minister, told AFP reporters at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting held in Saudi Arabia the day before that "As long as the US continues its 'maximum pressure' policy and threats, Iran will not negotiate directly with the US," referring to President Trump's remarks.
President Trump has previously threatened military action against Iran if it refuses to negotiate on its nuclear program, drawing attention to future developments. Earlier last month, he signed a memorandum instructing the Treasury Department to implement "maximum pressure" through intensified economic sanctions against Iran.
Brian Hughes, spokesperson for the White House National Security Council (NSC), stated in a press release that day, "We hope the Iranian regime prioritizes its own people and supreme interests over terrorism."
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