On Tuesday, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, dismissed the prospect of direct talks with the United States concerning Iran’s nuclear program. This declaration was made as Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian was in New York for the United Nations General Assembly. The move may hamper Pezeshkian’s potential engagement with the Americans.
Khamenei’s pronouncements were made during a speech aired on Iranian state television. The remarks followed discussions between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his European counterparts who are seeking ways to prevent the re-implementation of nuclear sanctions, which are anticipated to be reimposed on Sunday.