**Iran Condemns 'Bullying' Nations Amid Trump’s Nuclear Negotiation Demands**

**Iran's Ayatollah condemns strong-arm tactics from foreign governments as tensions escalate following Trump's military threat over nuclear talks.**

 

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has vehemently criticized what he described as "bullying countries" in response to a recent letter from former President Donald Trump urging Iran to negotiate its nuclear program. In a statement on Saturday, Khamenei asserted that Iran would not engage in talks with these "bullying governments" who impose demands for negotiations.

In his communication released on Friday, Trump warned Iran of potential military action should they refuse to engage in discussions regarding their nuclear ambitions. He emphasized to Fox Business that the choice for Iran was clear: negotiate or face military consequences. "There are two ways Iran can be handled—militarily or you make a deal," Trump stated, expressing a preference for peaceful negotiations.

Khamenei’s remarks, reported by local media during a Ramadan gathering with officials, highlighted the unique circumstances Iran faces. While not naming the United States directly, he conveyed that these negotiations are not conducive to resolving issues but instead aimed at imposing dominance. "Their negotiations are not aimed at solving problems; they aim at domination," he declared. He cautioned that these new demands would not be fulfilled by Iran.

Concerns regarding Iran's nuclear program have intensified. The director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, labeled Iran's accelerated production of highly enriched uranium as "very worrisome," pointing to a troubling trend of stockpiling materials that are close to weapons-grade purity.

Tehran maintains that its nuclear endeavors serve peaceful purposes despite accusations of pursuing nuclear weapons. The 2015 nuclear deal, which previously imposed restrictions on Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief, collapsed after Trump withdrew the U.S. from the agreement and reinstated stringent sanctions.

In the subsequent years, Iran has significantly ramped up its nuclear program, including uranium enrichment, provoking fears and tensions across the Middle East. Heightened hostilities have led to perceived threats from both Israel and Iran, particularly following military strikes tied to ongoing regional conflicts. Additionally, Iran's internal unrest, fueled by economic constraints and societal grievances, underscores the strain its government faces.

As Iran prepares for joint naval drills with Russia and China on Monday in Chabahar, the geopolitical climate remains precarious, with nuclear discussions further complicated by current global dynamics.