Khamenei Signals Openness to US Nuclear Talks

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei expressed openness to renewed negotiations with the United States concerning Iran's advancing nuclear program, indicating there was 'no barrier' to such engagement. However, he emphasized clear boundaries and expressed distrust of Washington, mirroring sentiments from the 2015 nuclear deal which curtailed Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for lifting economic sanctions. The ultimate authority in Iran, Khamenei, warned the government of reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian not to trust the US, despite indicating that limited engagement was possible. This comes amid high regional tensions due to the Israel-Hamas conflict and as the US approaches a presidential election. Khamenei's comments also follow recent indirect talks mediated by Oman and Qatar. The US State Department responded by reiterating its preference for diplomacy but stressed that it would judge Iran by its actions.