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yesterday

Khamenei Rejects U.S. Nuclear Deal Draft, Insists on Enrichment Rights

The supreme leader’s refusal to abandon enrichment deepens an impasse after five rounds of talks, following U.S. warnings of grave consequences.

FILE PHOTO: Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks during a meeting in Tehran, Iran, May 20, 2025. Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader/WANA (West Asia News Agency)/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo
This picture shows a replica of Iran's Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant at an exhibition at the International Conference on Nuclear Science and Technology in Isfahan in on May 6, 2024. UN atomic watchdog chief Rafael Grossi arrived on May 6 in Iran, where he is expected to speak at the conference and meet officials for talks on Tehran's nuclear program.
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Overview

  • Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared the U.S. proposal “100% against” Iran’s interests and affirmed uranium enrichment as essential to the country’s self-reliance.
  • The U.S. deal outline from envoy Steve Witkoff would permit low-level enrichment (up to 3% purity) under a regional consortium while banning new domestic facilities beyond civilian use.
  • Iran has increased its stockpile of 60% enriched uranium to 408.6kg, enough material for multiple weapons-grade conversions in a matter of weeks, according to the IAEA.
  • President Trump has vowed that Iran will face “grave consequences” and left military options on the table if Tehran rejects a deal.
  • Oman-mediated talks have produced five rounds since April without resolving the enrichment dispute, and negotiators are preparing for a sixth session.