Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has criticized a recent American proposal aimed at curbing Tehran’s nuclear programme, describing it as “100 per cent against the idea of ‘we can.’” While drawing a red line on uranium enrichment, he stopped short of rejecting negotiations with Washington altogether.

Speaking on Wednesday at the mausoleum of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, Khamenei reiterated Iran’s refusal to abandon uranium enrichment — a central issue in the stalled nuclear talks. “If we do not have enrichment, then we should extend our hand to the US,” he said, calling any such deal humiliating.

Despite the firm rhetoric, Khamenei avoided mentioning specific enrichment levels, nor did he close the door on diplomacy. Iran currently enriches uranium to 60% purity, edging close to weapons-grade. A potential deal could be vital to lifting crippling US sanctions and preventing further deterioration of Iran’s economy.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran would soon respond to the US offer. Reports suggest Washington’s proposal includes allowing Iran to enrich uranium up to 3% under a multinational consortium, though full details remain unclear.

Khamenei’s carefully calibrated remarks appear aimed at managing pressures from both reformists eager for sanctions relief and hardliners, including the Revolutionary Guard, who oppose compromise.

The stakes are high. Failure to reach an agreement risks sparking new regional conflict, especially amid tensions over the Israel-Hamas war. It could also prompt Iran to end cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog or accelerate toward weapons development.

“The impolite and insolent American leaders keep repeating this demand,” Khamenei said, before invoking a familiar slogan: “They can’t do a damn thing about this.”

Yet the fact that negotiations continue suggests both sides may still see a narrow path forward.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has criticized a recent American proposal aimed at curbing Tehran’s nuclear programme, describing it as “100 per cent against the idea of ‘we can.’” While drawing a red line on uranium enrichment, he stopped short of rejecting negotiations with Washington altogether.

Speaking on Wednesday at the mausoleum of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, Khamenei reiterated Iran’s refusal to abandon uranium enrichment — a central issue in the stalled nuclear talks. “If we do not have enrichment, then we should extend our hand to the US,” he said, calling any such deal humiliating.

Despite the firm rhetoric, Khamenei avoided mentioning specific enrichment levels, nor did he close the door on diplomacy. Iran currently enriches uranium to 60% purity, edging close to weapons-grade. A potential deal could be vital to lifting crippling US sanctions and preventing further deterioration of Iran’s economy.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran would soon respond to the US offer. Reports suggest Washington’s proposal includes allowing Iran to enrich uranium up to 3% under a multinational consortium, though full details remain unclear.

Khamenei’s carefully calibrated remarks appear aimed at managing pressures from both reformists eager for sanctions relief and hardliners, including the Revolutionary Guard, who oppose compromise.

The stakes are high. Failure to reach an agreement risks sparking new regional conflict, especially amid tensions over the Israel-Hamas war. It could also prompt Iran to end cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog or accelerate toward weapons development.

“The impolite and insolent American leaders keep repeating this demand,” Khamenei said, before invoking a familiar slogan: “They can’t do a damn thing about this.”

Yet the fact that negotiations continue suggests both sides may still see a narrow path forward.