TEHRAN
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Tuesday that nuclear negotiations with the United States are unlikely to lead to any meaningful outcome, citing persistent disagreements over Tehran’s uranium enrichment programme.
“We don’t think it will lead to any outcome. We don’t know what will happen,” Khamenei stated in a public address. He called the US demand to restrict Iran’s right to enrich uranium “a big mistake”.
Since April 12, Iran and the US have engaged in four rounds of indirect, Oman-mediated discussions – the highest-level contact since the US withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear accord. A fifth round was confirmed for May 11, described by Iran as “difficult but useful” and “encouraging” by the US.
Iran currently enriches uranium to 60%, far exceeding the 3.67% limit under the 2015 deal but still below weapons-grade levels. Washington maintains Iran must halt enrichment completely. Chief US negotiator Steve Witkoff recently stated the US “cannot allow even one percent of an enrichment capability”. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said uranium enrichment will continue “with or without a deal”. He added that Iran remains open to temporary enrichment limits if sanctions are lifted.
While President Donald Trump has revived the “maximum pressure” approach, including threats of further sanctions and military action, Iran insists it seeks peaceful nuclear energy. Parallel talks with Europe are ongoing, as UN sanctions reimposition remains a looming option. Iran urges Europe to play a “constructive role” in reviving the deal and fostering diplomatic balance.