Dubai, February 7, 2025: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed the idea of negotiations with the United States on Friday, calling them “neither smart, wise, nor honorable.” His remarks come just days after U.S. President Donald Trump expressed a willingness to reach a “verified nuclear peace agreement” with Tehran.
Speaking to air force personnel during an event marking the anniversary of Iran’s 1979 revolution, Khamenei emphasized that past experience has proven negotiations with the U.S. to be futile.
“Negotiating with America will not solve any of our problems. Why? Because experience has shown us otherwise!” Khamenei was quoted as saying by Iranian state media.
Trump, who withdrew the U.S. from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal during his previous administration in 2018, said this week that he would like to “make a great deal” with Iran. However, he also reaffirmed his intent to reinstate the maximum pressure campaign that crippled Iran’s economy after his withdrawal from the pact.
Khamenei criticized the U.S. for failing to uphold its commitments, stating: “We reached an agreement with the U.S. and other countries after two years of negotiations, but despite our many concessions, the Americans did not adhere to it. The person in charge simply tore it up,” referring to Trump’s unilateral withdrawal.
While Khamenei ruled out talks, he issued a stern warning to Washington regarding any potential threats to Iran’s security.
“If they threaten our security, we will threaten theirs. If they act on their threats, we will do the same,” he asserted.
Despite Khamenei’s rejection of negotiations, a senior Iranian official told Reuters on Wednesday that Iran remains open to resolving disputes with the U.S. through diplomatic channels.
Khamenei also condemned Trump’s reported proposal to forcibly relocate Palestinian inhabitants from Gaza to neighboring Arab countries, though further details of his comments were not immediately available.
