Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, has rejected direct negotiations with the United States regarding Iran’s nuclear program. This position, announced on Tuesday, aligns with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s attendance at the United Nations General Assembly in New York and may hinder any potential contact with US officials.
Khamenei’s statement was delivered in a speech broadcast on Iranian state television. The remarks followed a meeting between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and European officials, who are attempting to prevent the re-imposition of nuclear sanctions. These sanctions are expected to go back into effect on Sunday.
Furthermore, Khamenei stated that engaging in talks with the United States represents a dead end. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with diplomats from France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. These three nations are reportedly discussing preparations related to the lifting of UN sanctions.
Notably, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated in July that Iran was ready to restart nuclear talks with the United States, given guarantees against future attacks. Addressing foreign ambassadors in Tehran, Araghchi said that Iran has consistently been and will continue to be prepared for discussions on its nuclear program but that assurances of a secure process were necessary.