Tehran, Iran โ In a powerful and unequivocal declaration, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has slammed the door shut on a new US proposal regarding its nuclear program, asserting that abandoning uranium enrichment is "100% against the country's interests." This defiant stance comes as talks aimed at resolving the decades-long nuclear dispute hit another major roadblock.
Unwavering Stance: Uranium Enrichment as a National Imperative ๐ก๏ธ
Ayatollah Khamenei, the highest authority in the Islamic Republic, minced no words in his rejection of Washington's demands. Speaking to the nation, he emphasized that uranium enrichment is not just a technical aspect of Iran's nuclear program but a vital component of its energy independence and scientific advancement. "The US nuclear proposal contradicts our nation's belief in self-reliance and the principle of 'We Can'," Khamenei stated, reinforcing the core tenets of the 1979 Islamic Revolution. He firmly asserted that Iran would not seek external approval for its strategic decisions, declaring, "Independence means not waiting for the green light from America and the likes of America."
Oman-Mediated Talks Falter: A Proposal Deemed Insufficient ๐ง
The US proposal, reportedly delivered to Iran last Saturday by Oman, aimed to find a new path forward in the stalled nuclear negotiations. While details of the offer remain under wraps, reports suggest it envisioned limited uranium enrichment for civilian uses, contingent on Iran shutting down its heavily protected underground facilities for a specific period. However, this appears to have been a "non-starter" for Tehran, which clearly views the offer as insufficient and failing to address its fundamental interests or soften Washington's long-standing hardline stance on enrichment.
Historical Context: The Shadow of the JCPOA and Sanctions ๐
The nuclear dispute between Iran and the West has been a persistent source of global tension. The landmark 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) sought to curb Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. However, the US unilateral withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018 under the Trump administration and the subsequent reimposition of crippling sanctions led Iran to gradually roll back its commitments, including increasing its uranium enrichment levels.
The Path Forward: Diplomatic Deadlock Persists ๐คทโโ๏ธ
Ayatollah Khamenei's latest pronouncement sends a clear and unyielding message: Iran will not compromise on what it considers its sovereign right to a peaceful nuclear program, including uranium enrichment. This firm rejection of US demands sets a challenging tone for any future diplomatic endeavors, underscoring the deep-seated mistrust and divergent interests that continue to plague efforts to find a lasting resolution. The international community now watches with bated breath to see how this resolute declaration will shape the future of the nuclear talks and the broader geopolitical landscape.
