Khamenei Hints at Renewed US Negotiations

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has expressed a cautious openness to renewed negotiations with the United States regarding Iran's advancing nuclear program, stating there is 'no barrier' to engaging with the 'enemy.' His comments, reminiscent of his stance during the 2015 nuclear deal, come with strict warnings to the reformist government led by President Masoud Pezeshkian not to place too much trust in Washington. Khamenei emphasized the need for Iran to not rely on the U.S. for its plans, reflecting ongoing skepticism after the U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear deal in 2018. The geopolitical landscape remains fraught, especially with tensions from the Israel-Hamas conflict and an impending U.S. presidential election, complicating prospects for diplomacy. Direct and indirect talks have been mediated by countries like Oman and Qatar, although Iran has ramped up uranium enrichment beyond the limits set by the previous deal.