Ayatollah Khamenei labeled the US and its allies as "bullying governments" following a letter from former President Trump demanding negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear program, further escalating tensions between the nations.
**Iran Rejects US 'Bullying' Amid Nuclear Negotiation Demands**
**Iran Rejects US 'Bullying' Amid Nuclear Negotiation Demands**
Iran's Supreme Leader responds to Trump's pressure for negotiations, emphasizing the nation's stance against coercive diplomacy.
In a stern repudiation of external pressure, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei denounced "bullying" nations, explicitly referencing a letter from former President Donald Trump that called for negotiations on Iran's contentious nuclear program. Trump's correspondence indicated that Tehran could face military action unless they consented to talks for a new nuclear agreement.
In a passionately conveyed statement, Khamenei dismissed the notion of negotiating with "bullying governments" that seek to impose their terms. He stressed that Iran's advancement of its nuclear program is not merely a nuclear issue but an arena for foreign powers to exert control.
Earlier, Trump articulated his position, expressing that military intervention was one possibility if negotiations did not occur: "There are two ways Iran can be handled - militarily, or you make a deal," he stated during an interview, adding that he favored a diplomatic resolution.
Khamenei's comments came during a Ramadan gathering with officials, reflecting the growing chasm between Tehran and Washington. "Their negotiations are not aimed at solving problems; they aim at domination," he asserted, as tensions have surged over Iran’s plans to enhance its uranium enrichment, which approaches weapon-grade levels.
Since the 2015 agreement aimed at curtailing Iran's nuclear ambitions was dismantled by Trump, the Islamic Republic has accelerated its uranium enrichment activities, leading to increased apprehension from international observers. The head of the UN's nuclear watchdog has raised alarms over Iran’s uranium stockpile, now enriched to 60%, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
As regional tensions reverberate following conflicts related to Israel, Iran is also grappling with domestic issues fueled by economic sanctions coupled with ongoing protests. To bolster its defense capabilities amidst these pressures, Iran plans to conduct joint naval drills with Russia and China, reinforcing its strategic alliances in the face of external threats.
In a passionately conveyed statement, Khamenei dismissed the notion of negotiating with "bullying governments" that seek to impose their terms. He stressed that Iran's advancement of its nuclear program is not merely a nuclear issue but an arena for foreign powers to exert control.
Earlier, Trump articulated his position, expressing that military intervention was one possibility if negotiations did not occur: "There are two ways Iran can be handled - militarily, or you make a deal," he stated during an interview, adding that he favored a diplomatic resolution.
Khamenei's comments came during a Ramadan gathering with officials, reflecting the growing chasm between Tehran and Washington. "Their negotiations are not aimed at solving problems; they aim at domination," he asserted, as tensions have surged over Iran’s plans to enhance its uranium enrichment, which approaches weapon-grade levels.
Since the 2015 agreement aimed at curtailing Iran's nuclear ambitions was dismantled by Trump, the Islamic Republic has accelerated its uranium enrichment activities, leading to increased apprehension from international observers. The head of the UN's nuclear watchdog has raised alarms over Iran’s uranium stockpile, now enriched to 60%, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
As regional tensions reverberate following conflicts related to Israel, Iran is also grappling with domestic issues fueled by economic sanctions coupled with ongoing protests. To bolster its defense capabilities amidst these pressures, Iran plans to conduct joint naval drills with Russia and China, reinforcing its strategic alliances in the face of external threats.
