Iran’s Supreme Leader Rejects U.S. Demands: ‘Dead End’

 Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has dismissed U.S. demands to halt uranium enrichment, calling nuclear talks a "dead end." Western officials have expressed concern over Iran’s 60% enrichment levels and limited access for inspectors. Khamenei firmly rejected a zero enrichment benchmark, praising the program as a significant national achievement.

Khamenei said, "Negotiations with the US regarding the nuclear issue, and perhaps other matters, are a dead end."

Khamenei added, "Countries seeking to build nuclear weapons increase enrichment to even 90%. Since we have no need for such weapons and have decided not to pursue nuclear arms, we have increased our level of enrichment to 60%."

Khamenei argued that ending uranium enrichment would erase scientific progress. Iran has insisted its program is civilian and not aimed at nuclear weapons.

Khamenei said, "The US side says Iran mustn’t have enrichment whatsoever; what does this mean? It means they’re saying this great achievement for which our country has worked so hard should be destroyed! The Iranian nation will slap anyone who suggests such a thing and refuse to accept it."

President Donald Trump said Iran threatens neighbors and U.S. interests, stressing that the country must never obtain a nuclear weapon. The IAEA has raised concerns about monitoring gaps in the program.

Iran also warned that curbing missiles could weaken its defenses. U.N. General Assembly diplomacy has failed to close gaps.

Khamenei added, "The result is the closure of nuclear activities and enrichment. This is not a negotiation. It is a diktat, an imposition."