Iran Stands Firm: Enrichment Non-Negotiable, Says Khamenei

Tehran- Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei has rejected the prospect of nuclear negotiations with the United States, describing them as a“dead end” and insisting Tehran will not abandon uranium enrichment despite mounting international pressure.

In a televised address on Tuesday, Atatollah Khamenei said Washington was dictating the outcome of any dialogue in advance.“They have announced that the only acceptable result of negotiations is the shutdown of Iran's nuclear activities and enrichment,” he said.“That is not negotiation. That is dictation. That is imposition.”

The remarks come as European governments warn of renewed international sanctions against Tehran. France, Germany, and the United Kingdom have triggered the“snapback” mechanism of the 2015 nuclear accord, citing Iran's failure to meet its obligations under JCPOA which Washington unilaterally scrapped. Unless a compromise is reached, sanctions are set to automatically return this weekend, halting arms sales to Iran, freezing assets abroad, and targeting the country's ballistic missile program.

Iran's Position on Enrichment

Ayatollah Khamenei emphasised that uranium enrichment is a national achievement Iran will not surrender. He said Iran is now among a small group of nations capable of 60 percent enrichment-a level short of weapons-grade but still far above the 3.67 percent cap under the 2015 deal.

“Since we do not need weapons and have decided against nuclear weapons, we have not taken it to 90 percent,” he said.“We raised it to 60 percent, which is a very high and very good figure, and necessary for some of our domestic needs.”

Iran maintains that its nuclear program is peaceful. Leader reiterated that the country does not seek nuclear weapons, stating,“We do not have a nuclear bomb and we will not have one, and we do not plan to use nuclear weapons.”

Talks Under Threat Rejected

Iran Leader dismissed U.S. pressure outright.“Accepting negotiations under such threats would mean that the Islamic Republic of Iran is susceptible to intimidation,” he said.“If we were to negotiate under such threats, it would mean that we tremble and surrender whenever threatened. There would be endless threats, forcing us to retreat step by step.”

Response to Attacks and Domestic Unity

Ayatollah Khamenei also linked Iran's resistance on the nuclear front to its broader struggle against foreign intervention, accusing the U.S. and Israel of plotting to destabilise the Islamic Republic during the recent 12-day conflict that included attacks on nuclear installations.

“The enemy's aim was not merely to target commanders. The real target was the Islamic Republic itself,” he said.“But their scheme collapsed in its initial stages. Replacements were appointed for martyred commanders, and the Armed Forces remained just as strong, with even higher morale.”

He also emphasised Iran's scientific progress in nuclear technology, noting that thousands of scientists, researchers, and specialists are engaged in the field.“Science cannot be destroyed. Science does not disappear with bombs, threats, or such things. It continues to exist,” he said, referring to U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

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