Khamenei Rejects Proposal for Direct Talks with the U.S. on Nuclear Program

International Desk | PNN:
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has announced that there will be no direct talks with the United States regarding Iran’s nuclear program. Khamenei described negotiations with the U.S. as “completely futile.” This statement comes amid attempts by diplomats to hold discussions on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

Earlier, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with diplomats from Germany, France, and the United Kingdom (E3), as well as the European Union’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, to discuss the recent imposition of U.S. sanctions.

Khamenei stated, “The United States has already declared the outcome of the talks in advance. It demands the cessation of nuclear activities and enrichment. This is not a negotiation—it is a tactic of orders and pressure.”

European countries have said that if Iran engages in direct talks with the U.S., allows UN inspectors to visit its nuclear facilities, and provides full accounts of its highly enriched uranium, they would be willing to extend the sanction timelines.

Meanwhile, an Al Jazeera reporter noted that no significant progress was made at the UNGA-side meeting. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul commented, “It did not conclude particularly well.”

Source: Al Jazeera