The office of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, addressing teachers and education officials from across the country, in Tehran, on May 17, 2025. (Credit: Khamenei.Ir/AFP.)
BEIRUT — The supreme leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stated on Wednesday that "the United States have no say in uranium enrichment," at a time when his country and the United States are negotiating over Iran's nuclear program.
"The proposal [on Iran's nuclear program] presented by the Americans is 100% against the slogan 'we can'," he said, referring to the pillars of the 1979 Islamic Revolution on Iran's independence.
"What does it concern you? Why do you meddle in Iran's decision whether or not to proceed with enrichment? You have no say," he continued during a speech on the 36th anniversary of the death of the Islamic Republic's founder, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.
On Monday, an Iranian source indicated to Reuters that Tehran was preparing to reject an American proposal, calling it "unacceptable" as it "does not take into account Tehran's interests" and does not soften Washington's stance on uranium enrichment.
"Iran is drafting a negative response to the American proposal, which could be interpreted as a rejection of the American offer," a senior diplomat close to the Iranian negotiating team told Reuters.
Five rounds of talks have already taken place between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and President Donald Trump's envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff.
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