Top Iranian Officials Urged Khamenei to Resume US Nuclear Talks to Prevent Regime Collapse: NYT

Senior Iranian officials have reportedly warned Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that continued refusal to engage with the United States on nuclear negotiations could endanger the survival of the Islamic Republic, according to a report published by The New York Times.

Citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter, the report claims that high-ranking members of Iran’s security and political establishment expressed concerns about the growing internal unrest, economic hardship, and regional isolation. They allegedly told Khamenei that only a strategic reopening of dialogue with Washington could ease tensions and avert the possible collapse of the regime.

The revelation sheds new light on Iran’s internal debate amid a period of heightened pressure from international sanctions and domestic protests. The country’s economy continues to struggle under restrictions reimpose after the US withdrew from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018.

While the Iranian leadership has repeatedly vowed to resist Western influence, insiders say the country’s elite are deeply divided over the nuclear issue. The warnings to Khamenei reportedly came after a series of closed-door sessions last year, where officials outlined worst-case scenarios if diplomatic avenues remain blocked.

As of now, Tehran has not publicly confirmed any new round of negotiations. However, speculation is mounting that secret backchannel talks may already be underway.

This development comes amid increased scrutiny of Iran’s uranium enrichment activities, which international monitors claim are approaching weapons-grade levels — a claim Tehran continues to deny.

The Trump administration has maintained it is open to talks but demands full compliance with nuclear obligations. Meanwhile, regional actors and Western allies remain closely watching any shift in Iran’s position.