Iran’s Khamenei dismisses US nuclear proposal, says enrichment is essential

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on Wednesday reaffirmed that uranium enrichment remains a central and non-negotiable component of Iran’s nuclear program and rejected a US proposal for a possible nuclear deal.

He said that without uranium enrichment, Iran’s nuclear program would be useless, and the US wants to dismantle the program.

“The US nuclear proposal contradicts our nation's belief in self-reliance and the principle of 'We Can',” Khamenei said during a televised speech, in reference to a core slogan of the Islamic Republic by its founder Rouhollah Khomeini.

Khamenei emphasized that Iran would not abandon its enrichment work, despite Western pressure.

“Uranium enrichment is the backbone of our nuclear program,” he said. “They want to dismantle our nuclear program and weaken our national power. But the US will not be able to weaken our nuclear program."

Khamenei added, “Who are you to tell Tehran whether we should have a nuclear program or not?”