Iran’s Supreme Leader Signals Possible Renewed Nuclear Talks with US
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Tuesday opened the door to potential negotiations with the United States over the country’s rapidly advancing nuclear program, telling the civilian government there is “no harm” in engaging with its “enemy,” The Associated Press reports.
While this shift implies a willingness to discuss the nuclear issue, Khamenei stressed clear red lines and reiterated his long-standing warnings about the US being untrustworthy.
“This does not mean that we cannot interact with the same enemy in certain situations,” he stated while speaking under the administration of reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian, but cautioned, “do not place your hopes in them.”
The Supreme Leader, who holds ultimate authority over state matters, made it clear that Pezeshkian’s Cabinet should remain skeptical of any US intentions.
Khamenei’s comments echo sentiments made during the lead-up to the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers, which effectively curtailed Iran’s nuclear development in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. However, amid ongoing regional tensions, particularly due to the Israel-Hamas conflict, the extent of Pezeshkian’s room for negotiation remains uncertain. Additionally, the upcoming US presidential election in November could further complicate diplomatic efforts.
In recent months, there have been indirect talks between Iran and the US, facilitated by Oman and Qatar — two regional mediators. Khamenei’s remarks coincided with a visit from Qatar’s Prime Minister, raising speculation about a possible thaw in relations.
“We will judge Iran’s leadership by their actions, not their words,” the US State Department said when asked for comment.
The department has stressed its belief that diplomacy is the best path to a sustainable solution regarding Iran’s nuclear activities, noting that “we are far away from anything like that right now,” citing Iran’s escalating nuclear activities and lack of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Since the collapse of the 2015 deal following the US withdrawal in 2018, Tehran has significantly expanded its nuclear program, enriching uranium to levels approaching weapons-grade purity of 60%. Iran has also limited the IAEA’s access, disrupting surveillance systems and barring some of the agency’s most experienced inspectors.
Tensions between Iran and Israel have soared in the wake of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Iran conducted an unprecedented drone-and-missile strike against Israel in April, following a series of escalatory events including the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.
