Khamenei Defends Iran’s Right to Peaceful Nuclear Program as Geneva Talks with U.S. Conclude

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said Tehran has the right to develop a nuclear industry for peaceful purposes, asserting that it is not for Washington to dictate the country’s policies in this regard.

In remarks reported on Tuesday, Khamenei stressed that Iran’s nuclear activities are intended solely for civilian use, adding that external interference in the matter is unacceptable. “It is our right to possess a nuclear industry for peaceful purposes,” he said, according to Iranian media.

His comments came as Iranian state television announced the conclusion of a round of indirect talks with the United States in Geneva. The discussions were part of ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at addressing longstanding tensions between Tehran and Washington, particularly over Iran’s nuclear program.

The negotiations, held through intermediaries, follow months of heightened rhetoric and renewed diplomatic engagement between the two sides. Neither party immediately released detailed statements outlining the outcomes of the latest round.

The United States and Iran have been at odds over Tehran’s nuclear activities since Washington withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement and reimposed sanctions. Efforts to revive or renegotiate aspects of the deal have faced repeated setbacks, though both sides have signaled at various times their willingness to continue dialogue.