Iran’s Supreme Leader Signals Openness to US Talks on Nuclear Program

The supreme leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, recently indicated a willingness to engage in renewed discussions with the United States regarding the country’s swiftly progressing nuclear program. During a video broadcast, Khamenei reassured the Iranian government that there are “no barriers” to negotiating with what he referred to as the “enemy.”

These remarks set definitive boundaries for any dialogues that may occur under the leadership of reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian. Khamenei reiterated his distrust of Washington, framing it within a larger context of high-stakes politics. His statements also echoed sentiments expressed during the 2015 nuclear agreement with major world powers, which resulted in significant constraints on Iran’s nuclear capabilities in exchange for the easing of economic sanctions.

However, uncertainty looms over how much latitude President Pezeshkian will have while pursuing these negotiations, particularly as regional tensions are exacerbated by ongoing conflicts, such as the Israel-Hamas war. Additionally, with the U.S. preparing for its upcoming presidential election in November, the geopolitical landscape remains precarious.

In his address, Khamenei urged Iranian officials to remain independent in their planning, stating, “We do not have to pin our hopes to the enemy. For our plans, we should not wait for approval by the enemies.” Despite this guidance, he indicated that engaging with the U.S. in certain contexts is permissible.

This conversation is particularly impactful because Khamenei holds ultimate authority on all state matters. He has fluctuated between advocating for talks and dismissing them since President Donald Trump’s unilateral withdrawal from the nuclear agreement in 2018.

Indirect negotiations mediated by Oman and Qatar have taken place over the years, emphasizing the ongoing complexity of Iran-U.S. relations. Khamenei’s comments came shortly after the Prime Minister of Qatar made an official visit to Iran.

In response to these developments, the U.S. State Department expressed that they would evaluate Iran’s leadership based on actions rather than words. They reaffirmed a preference for diplomacy as a means to achieve a sustainable resolution regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions. However, they also highlighted significant setbacks, citing Iran’s ongoing nuclear escalation and its lack of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Since the collapse of the previous deal, Iran has lifted all restrictions previously imposed on its nuclear program, enriching uranium to levels nearing weapons-grade purity. Furthermore, IAEA monitoring efforts have faced setbacks, with Iran restricting access to experienced inspectors and also hinting at potential moves toward developing atomic weaponry.

Meanwhile, hostilities between Iran and Israel have surged, particularly in light of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Recently, Iran executed an unprecedented drone-and-missile strike against Israel, signaling heightened tensions that have escalated beyond the usual covert operations between the two nations.

The situation was further inflamed after the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, leading Iranian leaders to threaten retaliation against Israel. This escalation sets a volatile backdrop for any potential negotiations.

President Pezeshkian, a former lawmaker who ascended to the presidency following the tragic death of hard-line President Ebrahim Raisi, has aimed to rekindle engagement with the West through negotiations. Khamenei’s recent comments could offer Pezeshkian the political cover he needs to pursue this strategy, particularly as his newly appointed foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, has experience from the 2015 nuclear discussions.

However, alongside these developments, the political dynamics in the United States are in flux, with a presidential election imminent on November 5. Vice President Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are the leading candidates, and there are concerns within Iran about Trump potentially returning to power.

While the U.S. did engage in indirect talks with Iran under President Joe Biden, the effectiveness of these discussions may waver depending on the outcome of the elections. Harris has publicly stated her willingness to take decisive action against Iran if necessary, which adds another layer of complexity to the diplomatic calculus.

During Khamenei’s meeting with Pezeshkian’s Cabinet, former Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif also made an appearance. Zarif, who previously played a crucial role in negotiating the 2015 deal, confirmed his continued service in Pezeshkian’s administration despite initial intentions to resign over Cabinet appointments.