**Iran Dismisses U.S. Nuclear Negotiations Amidst Diplomatic Tensions**

Amid rising tensions, Iran's supreme leader underscores the futility of negotiations with the U.S., reiterating the country’s stance on nuclear weapons.

Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has firmly rejected the possibility of discussions with the United States regarding the nation's nuclear program, following the delivery of a letter from former President Donald Trump via an emissary from the United Arab Emirates. The letter reportedly proposed a framework for talks aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and easing the threat of military action.

Khamenei stated that he had not reviewed the letter, which was delivered to Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, but dismissed its content as a "deception of public opinion." He questioned the validity of negotiations, highlighting Trump's past withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement, which led Iran to breach the accord's terms following reinstated U.S. sanctions.

The Iranian leader cautioned against any military actions aimed at its nuclear facilities, asserting that while Iran does not seek conflict, a strong response would follow any perceived aggression. "Iran is not seeking war, but if the Americans or their agents take a wrong step, our response will be decisive," he warned, emphasizing that it would be the U.S. that would incur the most significant damage.

Khamenei reiterated Iran's long-standing position of not pursuing nuclear weapons, contrary to Western narratives. In recent developments, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that Iran had enriched approximately 275 kg of uranium to 60% purity, nearing the weapons-grade threshold.

While both the U.S. and Israel maintain a hard-line stance against Iran's nuclear ambitions—Israel having previously conducted strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities—Trump indicated in a recent interview his preference for a diplomatic resolution over military action. "There are two ways Iran can be handled: militarily, or you make a deal," he remarked, emphasizing a desire for negotiation over conflict.

Iran’s mission to the UN has left open the door for dialogue, suggesting discussions might be possible if they address concerns about the militarization of Iran's nuclear program. Concurrently, diplomatic engagements continue with European nations as talks progress with the E3 (UK, France, and Germany) concerning the nuclear deal. With a trilateral meeting involving China, Russia, and Iran on the horizon, the stakes remain high as tensions simmer within this complex geopolitical landscape.