Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has criticised the US proposal for a new nuclear agreement, insisting it will not stop enriching uranium. Iranian negotiators are set to respond in the coming days to the plan presented at talks last Saturday. It would reportedly see Iran halt production of enriched uranium - which can be used to make reactor fuel but also nuclear weapons - and instead rely on a regional consortium for supplies. In a speech on the anniversary of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini's death, Khamenei said that was "100% against the idea of 'We can'" - a famous slogan of the Islamic Republic's founder. Later, the US president said Iran was "slow-walking" its decision on a deal. Donald Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social that he had discussed with Russian President Vladimir Putin Iran and "the fact that time is running out on Iran's decision pertaining to nuclear weapons, which must be made quickly". "We will need a definitive answer in a very short period of time!" Trump has warned Iran's leaders that it could face US and Israeli military action if the negotiations are not successful, and he is said to have given them a two-month deadline in a letter he sent in early March. He has also insisted Iran would have to halt all uranium enrichment under any deal. As supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei has final say on Iran's most important issues, including a potential nuclear agreement. "Uranium enrichment is the key to our nuclear programme and the enemies have focused on the enrichment," he declared in his speech on Wednesday. "The rude and arrogant leaders of America repeatedly demand that we should not have a nuclear programme. Who are you to decide whether Iran should have enrichment?" Iran's chief negotiator, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, wrote on X: "Iran has paid dearly for these capabilities, and there is no scenario in which we will give up on the patriots who made our dream come true." "To reiterate: No enrichment, no deal. No nuclear weapons, we have a deal." Under a 2015 deal with six world powers, Iran agreed to limit its nuclear activities in return for sanctions relief. That included not enriching uranium above 3.67% purity, which can be used to produce fuel for commercial nuclear power plants. Trump abandoned the agreement during his first term in 2018, saying it did too little to stop a pathway to a bomb, and reinstated crippling economic sanctions to force Iran to renegotiate. Iran insists its nuclear activities are entirely peaceful and that it will never seek to develop or acquire nuclear weapons. However, it has increasingly breached restrictions of the existing nuclear deal in retaliation for the sanctions. A report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said last week that it had now stockpiled more than 408kg (900lb) of uranium enriched to 60% purity, near weapons grade, which would be enough to make nine nuclear bombs. On Monday, Trump said his administration "will not allow any enrichment of uranium" by Iran. It came in response to US media reports that the proposal presented to Omani mediators by his special envoy Steve Witkoff would allow Iran to continue production of low-enriched uranium until a regional consortium had constructed facilities to enrich uranium for civilian reactor fuel under IAEA and US supervision. Once the facilities were operational, Iran would have to stop all enrichment in the country. According to Axios, Iran would also not be allowed to build any new enrichment facilities, would have to dismantle infrastructure for uranium conversion and processing, and would have to halt new research and development on centrifuges used to enrich uranium. Sanctions relief would be granted once Iran "demonstrates real commitment". White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declined to comment on the reports, but said it was in Iran's "best interest to accept it". Araghchi said on Sunday that his Omani counterpart had presented "elements of a US proposal, which will be appropriately responded to in line with the principles, national interests and rights of the people of Iran". Last week, two Iranian officials told Reuters news agency that Iran could pause enrichment if the US released frozen Iranian funds and recognised its right to enrich uranium for civilian use under a "political deal" that could lead to a broader nuclear agreement.
Iran's supreme leader criticises US proposal for nuclear agreement
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Iran's Supreme Leader Rejects US Nuclear Agreement Proposal"
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TruthLens AI Summary
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has openly criticized the recent US proposal for a new nuclear agreement, asserting that the plan will not deter Iran from continuing its uranium enrichment activities. In his remarks made during a speech commemorating the anniversary of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini's death, Khamenei emphasized that halting uranium production, as suggested by the US, contradicts the Islamic Republic's foundational motto of self-reliance. The proposal reportedly suggests that Iran would cease its enrichment processes and instead depend on a regional consortium for nuclear fuel supplies. Khamenei's firm stance reflects the broader sentiment within Iran's leadership, which views enrichment as a crucial element of its nuclear program. He stated that the US's demands represent an overreach, questioning their authority to dictate Iran's nuclear capabilities. This sentiment was echoed by Iran's chief negotiator, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who highlighted the sacrifices made by Iran to develop its nuclear capabilities and reiterated that any deal must allow for continued enrichment.
In the backdrop of these developments, US President Donald Trump has criticized Iran for what he describes as a slow decision-making process regarding the proposed agreement. He indicated that time is running out for Iran to make a definitive choice about its nuclear ambitions and warned of potential military action from the US and Israel should negotiations fail. The US proposal, which was communicated through Omani mediators, includes provisions that would require Iran to dismantle its enrichment infrastructure and halt new research on uranium enrichment technologies. Sanctions relief would only be offered once Iran demonstrates significant commitment to the terms of the agreement. Furthermore, reports suggest that Iran might consider pausing its enrichment activities if the US releases frozen Iranian assets and acknowledges Iran's right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes. This complex situation continues to evolve as both sides prepare for further negotiations, with Iran's leadership remaining steadfast in its nuclear ambitions while facing increasing pressure from the US and its allies.
TruthLens AI Analysis
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's recent criticism of the US proposal for a new nuclear agreement highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding Iran's nuclear program. This news piece reflects the complex geopolitical landscape and the challenges involved in negotiating nuclear agreements.
US Proposal and Iran's Response
The US has suggested a plan that would require Iran to halt its uranium enrichment, a process critical not only for nuclear energy but also for the potential development of nuclear weapons. Khamenei's firm stance against this proposal indicates Iran's unwillingness to compromise on what it views as a fundamental aspect of its sovereignty and national security. His reference to the slogan "We can" suggests a strong sentiment of national pride and resilience against perceived external pressure.
Political Context and Implications
The article also references the rhetoric from former President Donald Trump, who has warned Iran about the potential consequences of not agreeing to a deal. This adds a layer of urgency to the negotiations, framing them within a context of military threat and international diplomacy. The emphasis on Trump's comments serves to highlight the broader political dynamics at play, particularly the US-Iran relationship and the historical context of distrust.
Public Perception and Manipulation
The language used in the article, particularly Khamenei's direct challenge to US demands, aims to foster a sense of unity and resistance among the Iranian populace. By portraying the US as "rude and arrogant," the narrative seeks to galvanize public support for the government's position on nuclear enrichment. This rhetoric can also divert attention from domestic issues by focusing public sentiment on external threats.
Potential Economic and Political Consequences
This news could have significant ramifications for Iran's economy and political stability. If negotiations fail, it might lead to increased sanctions or military actions, further isolating Iran on the international stage. Conversely, a successful agreement could ease economic pressures and improve relations, altering the geopolitical balance in the Middle East.
Community Support and Target Audience
The article likely resonates more with nationalist and conservative factions within Iran who prioritize the country's nuclear capabilities as a matter of national pride. It appeals to communities that view the nuclear program as a symbol of resistance against Western hegemony.
Market Impact and Global Dynamics
The implications of this news extend to global markets, particularly in sectors related to energy and defense. Investors in oil markets, for instance, may react to the uncertainty surrounding Iran's nuclear program and its potential impact on global oil supply. Additionally, defense stocks could be influenced by the heightened military rhetoric.
Geopolitical Relevance
From a global perspective, the article underscores the ongoing struggle for power and influence, particularly between the US and Iran. The situation remains relevant in today's geopolitical discussions, particularly with ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
In conclusion, the reliability of this news can be considered moderate due to its reliance on statements from key political figures and the framing of the narrative, which serves specific political agendas. The article's focus on resistance and national pride may obscure other dimensions of the negotiations and broader implications for international relations.