TEHRAN, IRAN: Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Monday firmly rejected any possibility of dialogue with U.S. President Donald Trump, branding his offer as “bullying in the guise of negotiation.” The declaration marks a sharp escalation in tensions between Tehran and Washington, coming days after Iran withdrew from a cooperation agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
In a televised address, Khamenei accused the U.S. of using coercion instead of diplomacy. “Trump says he is a deal-maker — but if a deal is forced and one-sided, it’s not negotiation, it’s domination,” he said, adding that Washington’s claim of destroying Iran’s nuclear capabilities was nothing more than “wishful thinking.”
The remarks come after Trump extended an invitation for talks, following a fragile ceasefire in Gaza. However, Tehran sees Washington’s overtures as hypocritical, pointing to ongoing sanctions and military provocations. Analysts say the rejection underscores Iran’s unwillingness to engage unless terms of equality and respect are guaranteed — a condition the U.S. has so far resisted.
Khamenei’s latest statement reflects a hardening stance in Iran’s leadership, as the country faces mounting external pressure and economic strain. Experts warn that the stalemate could deepen instability across the Gulf and further complicate any efforts toward reviving the nuclear accord abandoned by the Trump administration.
The move also signals Tehran’s intent to operate independently of Western oversight, particularly after ending formal cooperation with the IAEA — a step that could reignite concerns about nuclear transparency.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.