Iran's Supreme Leader Rejects U.S. Proposal to Halt Uranium Enrichment

On June 4, 2025, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei firmly rejected a U.S. proposal aimed at limiting Iran's nuclear program, emphasizing that halting uranium enrichment contradicts Iran's national interests and undermines its sovereignty.

The U.S. proposal, mediated by Oman, suggested that Iran limit its uranium enrichment activities and surrender its stockpile of enriched uranium. Khamenei criticized the proposal, stating that uranium enrichment is central to Iran's nuclear agenda and reaffirmed the country's commitment to maintaining its nuclear capabilities.

Iran's nuclear program has been a focal point of international scrutiny for decades. While the country suspended its formal nuclear weapons program in 2003 and claims its nuclear activities are solely for peaceful purposes, it has continued enrichment efforts and developed long-range missile technology.

In February 2025, President Donald Trump reinstated the "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran, aiming to compel Tehran to negotiate a new nuclear agreement while preventing its development of nuclear weapons and countering its regional influence.

The U.S. proposal, presented by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, included the formation of a regional uranium enrichment consortium. This consortium would handle uranium enrichment outside of Iran, potentially involving countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. Iran might retain a limited stake but would not enrich uranium on its own soil. The proposal also outlined lifting economic sanctions on Iran in exchange for these limitations.

In his speech, Khamenei emphasized Iran's decades-long investment in its nuclear program, asserting that it has placed the country among a select group capable of mastering the nuclear fuel cycle. He stated that Iran will not accept any agreement that makes its nuclear program dependent on other nations. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reinforced this stance, stating that there is "no scenario" under which Iran would surrender its nuclear technological gains.

"Uranium enrichment is the key to our nuclear program... The rude and arrogant leaders of America repeatedly demand that we should not have a nuclear program. Who are you to decide whether Iran should have an enrichment?"
— Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

"There is no scenario under which Iran would surrender its nuclear technological gains."
— Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi

The rejection of the U.S. proposal by Iran's Supreme Leader underscores the deep-seated mistrust between the two nations and highlights the challenges in reaching a diplomatic resolution. The continuation of uranium enrichment by Iran raises concerns about regional stability and the potential for a nuclear arms race in the Middle East.

The "maximum pressure" campaign has led to significant economic challenges within Iran, including a sharp currency depreciation and political instability. The rejection of the U.S. proposal may result in the continuation or intensification of these economic hardships.

The firm stance taken by Iran's Supreme Leader in rejecting the U.S. nuclear proposal indicates a continued impasse in negotiations between the two nations. As both sides remain entrenched in their positions, the prospects for a diplomatic resolution appear increasingly uncertain, with potential ramifications for regional and global security.