Iran’s Supreme Leader Rejects Direct Nuclear Talks with US

Report by “Safarti Tarjuman” International News Desk

Vienna — Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has ruled out direct negotiations with the United States over Tehran’s nuclear program, effectively shutting down last-minute diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing the re imposition of United Nations sanctions this weekend.

Khamenei’s remarks, broadcast on state television Tuesday, directly undermine potential outreach efforts by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who is currently in New York for the United Nations General Assembly. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with diplomats from France, Germany, and Britain to discuss the looming sanctions, which are scheduled to take effect Sunday.

“Talks with the U.S. represent a sheer dead end,” Khamenei said. “The U.S. has already announced the results in advance — the closure of nuclear activities and enrichment. This is not negotiation; it is an imposition.”

Following the meeting with Araghchi, the German Foreign Office issued a statement on X urging Iran to act within “days, if not hours.” The statement pressed Tehran to resume direct U.S. talks and grant the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) full access to its nuclear sites in line with its obligations under international agreements.

The so-called E3 group — France, Germany, and Britain — formally triggered the “snapback” mechanism to reinstate sanctions due to Iran’s alleged violations of the 2015 nuclear deal, designed to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons.

A French diplomat, speaking anonymously, said Europe intends to make “full use” of the remaining time before Saturday’s deadline but admitted no major progress was made in Tuesday’s talks.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul described the likelihood of a deal before the weekend as “extremely slim.” France’s President Emmanuel Macron also warned that peace in the Middle East hinges on Iran’s nuclear program being “fully under control.” Macron signaled readiness to meet President Pezeshkian this week to try to salvage a last-minute agreement.

Despite the bleak outlook, the German Foreign Office stressed that “diplomatic engagement” will continue even if sanctions snap back into place Sunday.

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