Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has declined direct talks with the United States regarding his country’s nuclear program. This announcement came on Tuesday, coinciding with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly. The statement potentially restricts Pezeshkian’s ability to engage with American officials.
Khamenei’s remarks were delivered in a speech broadcast on Iranian state television. The comments followed a meeting between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his European counterparts, who are seeking to prevent the reimposition of nuclear sanctions. These sanctions are slated to be reinstated on Sunday.