Iran Confirms Ongoing Nuclear Talks with US Amid Supreme Leader Opposition

Iran’s nuclear talks with the United States remain tense and uncertain, with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei expressing skepticism about the negotiations yielding results, especially rejecting U.S. demands to end uranium enrichment. Despite these challenges, Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and President Masoud Pezeshkian, emphasize the potential for the talks to promote regional peace and stability, highlighting support from neighboring Gulf countries such as Oman and Qatar. Araqchi described the negotiations as a critical element for regional security and noted a positive shift in the stance of Arab Gulf states towards Iran. President Pezeshkian praised Oman’s constructive role in hosting the indirect talks and expressed hope that the dialogue would lead to a just and lasting agreement benefiting West Asia. Additionally, Araqchi, a seasoned diplomat leading the nuclear negotiation efforts, has documented his approach to the complex talks in his book, underlining negotiation as an art tied to Iranian culture and emphasizing the importance of moral values and strategic assessment. Iranian officials have also refuted media claims that the talks have been cancelled, reaffirming the ongoing nature of the diplomatic efforts.