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Supreme Leader Khamenei Dismisses US Demands on Uranium Enrichment
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected US calls for Tehran to cease uranium enrichment, labeling them “utter nonsense.” He expressed doubt about the potential success of future nuclear talks, stating Iran would pursue its own policies regardless of external pressure.
International concern over Iran’s nuclear program has grown in recent years, fueled by fears of potential weapons development. While Iran maintains it does not intend to build nuclear weapons, its enrichment of uranium to near-weapons grade and expansion of its missile program have raised alarms among experts. These actions are seen as crucial steps towards having the capability to deploy a nuclear warhead.
Although uranium enrichment can be used for civilian nuclear power, a practice employed by many countries including the US, Iran’s reliance on nuclear energy remains minimal. According to the International Energy Agency, nuclear energy accounted for less than 1% of Iran’s energy consumption in 2022. In contrast, the US relies on nuclear energy for nearly 20% of its needs, making it the largest source of clean energy in the country.
Khamenei also referenced previous negotiation attempts under the Trump and Biden administrations, noting they yielded no results and expressing skepticism about the current talks. While reports suggest a fifth round of talks could occur in Rome this weekend, both Khamenei and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated Iran had not yet agreed, citing what they perceive as illogical US demands. Araqchi emphasized that Iran is currently reviewing the situation and hopes for a more reasonable approach from the US.