Khamenei Rejects U.S. Demand to Halt Enrichment, Vows to Defend Iran’s Independence
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei firmly rejected U.S. demands to end uranium enrichment on Wednesday, declaring the process central to Iran’s nuclear program and sovereignty. Speaking at a ceremony marking the 36th anniversary of Ayatollah Khomeini’s death, Khamenei said the U.S. “can’t do anything” to halt Iran’s nuclear advancements and accused Washington of seeking to keep Iran energy-dependent.
Amid ongoing indirect talks between Tehran and Washington mediated by Oman, Khamenei reiterated that Iran’s right to nuclear enrichment is “non-negotiable.” His comments followed President Donald Trump’s renewed insistence that any deal must prohibit all enrichment, even as reports suggest the U.S. may offer limited concessions in a new proposal. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has dismissed dismantling the enrichment program as unacceptable.
Khamenei also addressed regional issues, condemning Zionist entity’s war in Gaza as genocidal and urging Muslim countries to cut ties with Tel Aviv. He accused the U.S. of complicity in the assault and said Iran would continue to build its defense capabilities to safeguard its independence.
