Khamenei Rejects U.S. Nuclear Proposal, Reaffirms Iran’s Enrichment Program as a National Right

 Tehran | June 4, 2025 — Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Wednesday categorically rejected a recent U.S. proposal for a nuclear agreement, declaring it incompatible with Iran’s national interests and the core principles of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Speaking in Tehran, Khamenei stated, “Independence means not waiting for the green light from America or its allies,” firmly dismissing the idea that Tehran would seek Washington’s approval for strategic decisions. The Supreme Leader characterized the U.S. offer as "100 percent against" the ideals of the Islamic Republic and reaffirmed Iran’s steadfast commitment to maintaining its uranium enrichment program.

“Without enrichment,” Khamenei asserted, “our nuclear program is rendered useless. Who are you to tell us whether we should have a nuclear program or not?”

Diplomatic Stalemate Over Enrichment

The remarks come amid renewed diplomatic efforts led by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who have engaged in five rounds of negotiations. A sixth round is reportedly scheduled to take place in the Middle East this coming weekend, according to Axios.

Citing a senior Iranian official, Axios reported that Iran remains open to a potential agreement—provided that an international consortium overseeing civilian enrichment operates within Iranian territory. “If the consortium operates within the territory of Iran, it may warrant consideration. However, should it be based outside the borders of the country, it is certainly doomed to fail,” the official stated.

U.S. Proposal: A Conditional Framework

The U.S. proposal, presented last Saturday, would allow Iran to retain low-level uranium enrichment—up to 3% purity—for civilian uses such as nuclear medicine and electricity generation. In return, Tehran would be required to cease all enrichment at fortified underground facilities and halt any further research and development of advanced centrifuges.

The plan also envisions mothballing Iran’s deep-underground enrichment infrastructure for an as-yet-undisclosed period, while limiting enrichment activities to internationally monitored, above-ground installations.

Sanctions relief would be tied to verifiable compliance with the agreement, to be jointly determined by the United States and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Revival of a Regional Consortium Plan

The centerpiece of the proposed deal is the long-discussed concept of a regional uranium enrichment consortium, which would include Iran, the United States, and regional powers such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and possibly Turkey. The consortium would oversee Iran’s civilian nuclear fuel cycle under strict IAEA oversight. This concept was first floated during talks that culminated in the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)—an agreement from which the U.S. unilaterally withdrew in 2018 under President Donald Trump.

The current proposal has met with skepticism not only from Iran but also from Israel, which maintains that Iran should be denied any enrichment capability whatsoever.

Despite diplomatic momentum, core differences remain unresolved. Tehran insists on its sovereign right to enrich uranium, while Washington seeks robust guarantees to prevent weaponization. The upcoming sixth round of talks may offer further clarity on whether the two sides can converge on a framework that avoids escalation and ensures regional stability.