Iran’s supreme leader rejects Trump’s call for nuclear talks, labels it "deception"

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei has dismissed U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal for negotiations on a new nuclear deal, calling it a deceptive move aimed at misleading global public opinion.

Speaking to university students and representatives of student associations on March 12, during a gathering in Tehran, Khamenei reiterated Iran’s firm stance against engaging in talks with Washington, citing a lack of trust in U.S. commitments, Caliber.Az reports via Iranian media.

The Iranian leader emphasized that Trump’s administration had previously abandoned the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), despite years of diplomatic efforts. “When we know that he [Trump] does not honor agreements, what negotiations would we conduct?” Khamenei questioned, warning that the U.S. intends to exert pressure rather than resolve disputes.

Trump recently stated in an interview that he had sent a letter to Khamenei proposing negotiations, while simultaneously warning that Iran could either make a deal or face military action. Khamenei, however, rejected such ultimatums, declaring that Iran would not succumb to external pressure or coercion.

On Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Khamenei reaffirmed that the country is not pursuing nuclear weapons, asserting that if Tehran had intended to develop such capabilities, no external force could have stopped it. Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported a significant rise in Iran’s uranium enrichment levels, escalating regional tensions.

The rejection of talks comes amid heightened concerns over potential military confrontations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated threats against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, and recent U.S.-Israel discussions have focused on countering Tehran’s regional influence. Khamenei, in response, warned that any military aggression against Iran would be met with a “decisive and certain” reaction.

Despite U.S. efforts to reimpose maximum economic pressure, Iran has continued to expand its diplomatic and trade relations, particularly with the UAE. While the Gulf nation maintains strategic ties with Washington, its economic links with Iran remain strong.

By Vugar Khalilov