Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has issued a strong rebuke to U.S. policies on Tehran’s nuclear program, asserting that the Islamic Republic will not seek permission from any foreign power to pursue its strategic interests.
In a statement posted on his verified Twitter account, Khamenei criticized American opposition to Iran’s uranium enrichment program, calling their stance “utter nonsense.” He declared, “For the Americans to say, ‘We won’t allow Iran to enrich uranium,’ is utter nonsense. We aren’t waiting for anyone’s permission. The Islamic Republic has certain policies, and it will pursue them.”
This latest declaration comes amid renewed international scrutiny of Iran’s nuclear activities, following reports by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that Tehran has significantly expanded its enrichment capabilities. Western nations, particularly the United States and members of the European Union, have long expressed concerns that Iran’s uranium enrichment could lead to the development of nuclear weapons—claims that Iran strongly denies.
Khamenei’s remarks underline Iran’s long-standing position that its nuclear program is peaceful and sovereign. The Supreme Leader has consistently framed resistance to Western pressure as a matter of national dignity and independence.
While the Biden administration has attempted to revive the 2015 nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), negotiations have stalled amid growing tensions and mutual distrust. Iran’s insistence on its right to enrich uranium to higher levels has been a major sticking point.
