Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s offer for renewed negotiations and dismissed claims that American military actions have eliminated Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
The two countries previously engaged in five rounds of indirect nuclear talks, which collapsed following a 12-day air campaign in June during which U.S. and Israeli forces targeted Iranian nuclear sites.
“Trump says he is a dealmaker, but if a deal is accompanied by coercion and its outcome is predetermined, it is not a deal but rather an imposition and bullying,” Khamenei said according to state media.
Last week, Trump told the Israeli parliament that it would be great if Washington could negotiate a “peace deal” with Tehran, following the beginning of a ceasefire in Gaza between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
“The U.S. president proudly says they bombed and destroyed Iran’s nuclear industry. Very well, keep dreaming!” Khamenei added.
“What does it have to do with America whether Iran has nuclear facilities or not? These interventions are inappropriate, wrong and coercive.”
Western governments have long accused Iran of secretly working to develop a nuclear weapon through uranium enrichment, though Tehran insists its nuclear program is solely for civilian energy purposes.
