Iran’s Supreme Leader Signals Willingness to Negotiate Nuclear Issues with US

In a significant development, Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, suggested on Tuesday that there may be an opening for renewed dialogue with the United States concerning Iran’s advancing nuclear ambitions. Khamenei communicated to his civilian government that there was “no harm” in engaging with what he referred to as their “enemy.”

His statements lay down clear frameworks for any potential negotiations under President Masoud Pezeshkian, who advocates for reform. Khamenei reiterated his longstanding caution towards Washington, emphasizing the lack of trust. Yet, his comments evoke memories of the period around Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal, which significantly limited Iran’s nuclear activities in return for relief from economic sanctions.

It remains uncertain how much flexibility President Pezeshkian will have to navigate these talks, especially given heightened tensions in the Middle East, exacerbated by the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, and the impending U.S. presidential elections in November.

“This does not mean that we cannot interact with the same enemy in certain situations,” Khamenei noted, according to the transcription available on his official website. “There is no harm in that, but do not place your hopes in them.”

Khamenei, who holds ultimate authority over all state matters, warned Pezeshkian’s administration, “Do not trust the enemy.” At 85 years old, Khamenei has fluctuated between encouraging and dismissing talks with the U.S. since the latter’s withdrawal from the nuclear agreement in 2018 under then-President Donald Trump.

Over the past few years, there have been indirect discussions facilitated by Oman and Qatar, which have acted as intermediaries between Iran and the U.S. Khamenei’s remarks followed a recent visit from Qatar’s prime minister, highlighting the ongoing diplomatic efforts.

The U.S. State Department responded to Khamenei’s statements by emphasizing the importance of actions over words. A spokesperson stated, “We will judge Iran’s leadership by their actions, not their words.” They reiterated that diplomacy is seen as the best avenue for addressing concerns surrounding Iran’s nuclear program, although they acknowledged significant obstacles due to Iran’s recent escalations.

The absence of constraints on Iran’s nuclear activities, following the collapse of the 2015 deal, has allowed the nation to enrich uranium to levels up to 60%—dangerously close to the 90% threshold needed for weapons-grade material. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported issues with Iran disrupting surveillance measures and restricting access to experienced inspectors, which has raised alarm over a potential pursuit of nuclear weapons.

Additionally, the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has intensified hostilities between Iran and Israel, with recent military exchanges raising stakes on both sides. In April, Iran conducted a rare drone and missile strike against Israel, which marked a significant escalation following years of covert operations and retaliatory actions in the region.

In the wake of increased tensions, Pezeshkian, elected after the untimely death of hardliner Ebrahim Raisi, campaigned on a platform advocating for renewed engagement with Western powers through diplomatic negotiations. Khamenei’s remarks may provide political backing for Pezeshkian’s administration as it attempts to navigate this complex landscape. Pezeshkian’s new foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, previously played a pivotal role in the 2015 negotiations.

Khamenei has also hinted at the need for “tactical retreats” amid these increased pressures, suggesting that Iran must not abandon its objectives despite ongoing challenges.

As the U.S. gears up for its presidential election on November 5, concerns linger over the possibility of Trump’s return to the presidency and how that would shape future negotiations. The current administration has been engaged in indirect talks with Iran, but uncertainty looms over how those discussions could progress under a potential Harris administration, particularly after her recent statements emphasizing a firm stance against Iranian actions.

Analysts from the RANE Network noted that if Harris were to win the election, the likelihood of a renewed deal could increase as the Israel-Hamas conflict subsides. However, they warned that Iran would likely demand stronger assurances from the U.S. to prevent a repeat of the fallout experienced after the last agreement was abandoned.

During Khamenei’s recent meeting with Pezeshkian’s cabinet, former Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, instrumental in the 2015 deal, also made an appearance. Post-meeting, Zarif confirmed his intent to continue serving as a vice president in Pezeshkian’s administration, following previous public resignations over Cabinet composition issues.

As this complex geopolitical situation continues to unfold, the international community watches closely for signs of potential shifts in negotiations surrounding Iran’s nuclear program.

Source: Associated Press