The proposal, conveyed to Tehran through Omani mediators last Saturday, included U.S. suggestions for a revised nuclear agreement. Oman has been facilitating indirect discussions between Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, and U.S. representatives.

Despite several rounds of talks, major disagreements persist. Chief among them is Iran’s insistence on continuing to enrich uranium within its borders and its refusal to export its existing stockpile of highly enriched uranium—material that could potentially be used in nuclear weapons.

While Khamenei did not indicate an end to negotiations, he criticized the proposal as clashing with Iran’s principles of self-reliance and resilience. “Enrichment is at the core of our nuclear strategy,” he said during a televised address marking the anniversary of the death of the Islamic Republic’s founder, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. “Their proposal is entirely contrary to our interests. The Americans arrogantly demand that we forgo our nuclear rights—who gave them the authority to decide that?”

Iran maintains that its nuclear efforts are aimed solely at peaceful, civilian purposes and has consistently denied allegations that it is pursuing nuclear weapons.

Sources close to the matter suggest that Iranian authorities are prepared to reject the latest U.S. offer, viewing it as inadequate and dismissive of Iran’s key demands.

Since returning to office in January, President Donald Trump has reinstated his aggressive approach toward Tehran, intensifying sanctions and warning of possible military action should talks fail. His administration seeks to limit Iran’s capability to develop nuclear arms, citing the risk of sparking a wider arms race in the region and threatening allies such as Israel.

Iran, under heavy economic pressure from sanctions, is looking to secure relief but remains unwilling to abandon its nuclear advancements. The collapse of the 2015 nuclear deal—unilaterally abandoned by Trump during his first term—prompted Tehran to ramp up its enrichment activities beyond previously agreed limits.

Meanwhile, Iran’s leadership is facing internal and external challenges, including widespread shortages, currency devaluation, regional proxy conflicts, and heightened fears of a possible Israeli strike on its nuclear sites.

Israel, which sees Iran’s nuclear program as a serious threat, has repeatedly warned it may take preemptive action to prevent Tehran from acquiring a nuclear arsenal. Iran has pledged a strong response to any such move.

Some Iranian officials and insiders have warned that the stakes are high—failure to secure an agreement with former U.S. President Donald Trump could have serious consequences for Iran, even if the government presents the U.S. as responsible for any breakdown in negotiations.

Following recent discussions in Oman that were described positively by both parties, there’s been a surge in public anticipation of economic relief. Iranians, speaking over the phone and posting on social media, expressed hope that progress may finally be in sight. More talks are scheduled to take place on April 19 in Oman.

Iran’s currency, the rial, has seen a notable recovery—rising about 20% against the U.S. dollar in just a few days—fueled by expectations that sanctions might soon be eased.

In a meeting with lawmakers, Khamenei commented, “We are not overly hopeful nor overly doubtful. It’s a process that has begun with a solid foundation.” He emphasized the need for a cautious approach moving forward, adding that negotiations must be guided by clearly defined boundaries for both sides. “These talks might lead somewhere, or they might not,” he said. “Do not tie the country’s destiny to these negotiations.”

Since the 1979 revolution that ended U.S. influence in Iran, hostility toward Washington has remained a central theme among Iran’s leadership. Yet, under pressure from severe economic challenges—including inflation, joblessness, and a lack of foreign investment—Khamenei has shown support for engaging in dialogue.

While the U.S. and its allies claim Iran is working toward developing nuclear weapons, Iranian officials continue to insist that their nuclear program is solely intended for peaceful, civilian use.