Iran’s Khamenei Rejects US Nuclear Deal, Vows to Continue Uranium Enrichment

June 4, 2025, Dubai - Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei firmly rejected a U.S. proposal to curb Iran’s nuclear program, declaring that halting uranium enrichment is “100% against our interests.” Speaking on the anniversary of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini’s death, Khamenei criticized the U.S. as “rude and arrogant” for demanding Iran abandon enrichment, a cornerstone of its nuclear ambitions.

The proposal, delivered via Oman on Saturday, follows five rounds of stalled talks mediated by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and President Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff. As Trump intensifies his “maximum pressure” campaign with tightened sanctions, Iran faces mounting economic and regional challenges, raising fears of escalation with Israel, which views Tehran’s nuclear program as an existential threat.

Khamenei Defends Nuclear Program

In a televised address, Khamenei emphasized Iran’s commitment to self-reliance, calling uranium enrichment “the key to our nuclear program.” He dismissed U.S. demands to halt enrichment and ship out Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, which could be used for nuclear weapons. Iran maintains its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, denying Western accusations of seeking weapons.

The country’s uranium stockpile reached 6,201.3 kilograms by April 2025, with 142.1 kilograms enriched to 60%, close to weapons-grade levels, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency. Khamenei’s stance signals no pause in talks but underscores deep divisions, with Iran rejecting the U.S. proposal as a “non-starter.”

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US-Iran Talks Falter Amid Sanctions

The U.S. proposal, part of renewed negotiations, fails to address Iran’s core demands, including lifting sanctions that have slashed oil exports to 1.3 million barrels per day in 2024, down 50% from 2018. Trump’s reimposition of sanctions after withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal has crippled Iran’s economy, with the rial plunging 20% against the dollar in 2025, trading at 705,000 rials.

Trump’s threats to bomb Iran if talks fail have heightened tensions, while his administration aims to prevent a regional nuclear arms race. Iran’s refusal to compromise on enrichment, coupled with its insistence on keeping enriched uranium on its soil, has stalled progress after five rounds of talks.

Regional and Domestic Pressures Mount

Iran’s leadership faces multiple crises, including energy shortages, water scarcity, and a 40% inflation rate in 2025, exacerbating public discontent. Losses among Iran’s regional proxies, such as Hezbollah, in conflicts with Israel have weakened its influence, with Israeli airstrikes in Syria killing 12 militia members in May.

Israel, viewing Iran’s nuclear program as a direct threat, has intensified rhetoric about potential strikes on nuclear facilities like Natanz, which houses 10,000 centrifuges. Iran’s air defenses, reliant on outdated systems, face challenges countering advanced Israeli or U.S. strikes, raising the stakes of a potential military escalation.

Did You Know?
Iran’s uranium enrichment capacity has grown to 19,000 centrifuges in 2025, up from 8,000 in 2015, enabling faster production of near-weapons-grade material.

Global Implications of Stalled Talks

The failure to bridge gaps in negotiations risks broader consequences. A collapse in talks could trigger harsher U.S. sanctions, further straining Iran’s $192 billion GDP, projected to grow only 1.2% in 2025. Israel’s threats of preemptive strikes could destabilize the region, while Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states may accelerate their own nuclear programs, fearing Iran’s advances.

The U.S. and its allies are pushing for stricter International Atomic Energy Agency inspections, but Iran’s cooperation has waned, with only 14% of requested monitoring access granted in 2024. The ongoing standoff underscores the delicate balance between diplomacy and confrontation in addressing Iran’s nuclear ambitions.