Ayatollah Rejects US Nuclear Proposal, Vows Iran To Keep Enriching Uranium

Iran has responded to the US proposal for a new nuclear deal, which was submitted via Omani mediators, and has dismissed the demand to reduce uranium enrichment to zero. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated that abandoning uranium enrichment is "100%" against the country's interests. Khamenei made it clear that Iran will not give up its right to enrich uranium, citing national sovereignty and self-reliance. The US proposal contradicts Iran's belief in self-reliance and the principle of "We Can", according to Khamenei. The question remains whether the US will allow for limited or low-levels of enrichment, rather than insisting on zero enrichment. Khamenei addressed the nation on the anniversary of the death of the Islamic Republic's founder, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, and made it clear where Tehran stands on the proposal. The US has sent mixed signals, with the White House reportedly issuing a directive to halt new sanctions on Iran, which could be a step back from the "maximum pressure" approach. Iran has demanded transparent and firm guarantees regarding the end of sanctions, including details on how and through what mechanism they would be dismantled. The US has warned Iran that it is in their best interest to accept the proposal, but Iran remains firm in its stance on uranium enrichment. The future of the talks remains uncertain, with Iran refusing to back down on its right to enrich uranium and the US insisting on zero enrichment.