Iran's Khamenei calls US issue 'unsolvable' amid nuclear standoff

DUBAI, Aug 24 (VOCAL MEDIA) - Iran's supreme leader said the current situation with the United States was "unsolvable", and that Tehran would never bow to pressure to obey Washington, amid a standoff with Western powers over its nuclear programme, state media reported on Sunday.

The Islamic Republic suspended nuclear negotiations with the United States after the U.S. and Israel bombed its nuclear sites during a 12-day war in June.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's comments come after Iran and European powers agreed on Friday to resume talks to try to restart full negotiations on curbing Tehran's nuclear enrichment work.

"They want Iran to be obedient to America. The Iranian nation will stand with all of its power against those who have such erroneous expectations," Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was reported as saying.

"People who ask us not to issue slogans against the U.S. ... to have direct negotiations with the U.S. only see appearances ... This issue is unsolvable", he added.

France, Britain and Germany have said they could reactivate United Nations sanctions on Iran under a "snapback" mechanism if Tehran does not return to the table.

The European states, along with the U.S., say Iran is working towards developing nuclear weapons. Iran says it is only interested in developing nuclear power.

The stalemate between Iran and the West has persisted for years, with each round of negotiations ending in renewed tension. Analysts note that the rhetoric from both sides has hardened in recent months, making the prospect of meaningful compromise more difficult. The suspension of talks following the bombing of Iranian nuclear sites only added to the hostility, further deepening mistrust on both sides.

For Iran, the nuclear program has become more than just a technical project; it has become a symbol of sovereignty and resistance. Tehran has long argued that Western pressure is not about nuclear energy itself but about undermining its independence. Khamenei’s speech reflects this sentiment, emphasizing national pride and the unwillingness of the Iranian leadership to yield under international pressure.

Meanwhile, Western powers remain skeptical of Iran’s intentions. The fear that Iran could secretly weaponize its nuclear program has driven policies of sanctions and threats. The U.S. and its allies argue that regional stability hinges on preventing Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, a goal they see as essential not just for Israel’s security but for the broader Middle East.

The sanctions regime, already severe, has placed enormous strain on the Iranian economy. Inflation, unemployment, and currency devaluation have all been linked to the restrictions imposed by the West. Despite these challenges, Iranian leadership continues to frame the resistance as a matter of national dignity, urging citizens to endure hardship in the face of external aggression.

Observers note that the European states are walking a delicate line. While aligned with the U.S. in opposing Iran’s nuclear ambitions, they are also aware of the dangers of complete diplomatic breakdown. The possibility of a “snapback” of United Nations sanctions looms over the negotiations, yet European leaders have stressed the importance of dialogue to avoid further escalation.

The Middle East itself has been destabilized by decades of conflict, and the Iranian nuclear issue adds another layer of volatility. Neighboring states watch closely, concerned about the balance of power in the region. Some, like Saudi Arabia, have voiced alarm at Iran’s ambitions, while others remain cautious in their official statements, wary of provoking Tehran.

Khamenei’s insistence that the dispute with the U.S. is “unsolvable” raises the prospect that negotiations may remain deadlocked indefinitely. His words suggest that Tehran sees little benefit in direct talks with Washington, preferring instead to deal with European powers where there may be more room for compromise. Still, without U.S. involvement, many experts believe a comprehensive solution will remain elusive.

International reactions to Khamenei’s comments have been mixed. While critics argue that Iran is shutting the door on peace, supporters within the country hail the statement as a firm defense of sovereignty. The divide reflects broader global fault lines, where the Iranian issue often serves as a proxy for larger geopolitical rivalries.

At the core of the issue is trust—or the lack thereof. The United States accuses Iran of deception, while Iran accuses the U.S. of hypocrisy and double standards. Years of mutual suspicion have created a cycle where each side expects betrayal from the other, making diplomacy an uphill battle.

Despite the grim outlook, there are voices calling for renewed patience and creativity in diplomacy. Some analysts argue that progress is still possible through incremental agreements, confidence-building measures, and third-party mediation. Without such steps, the cycle of sanctions, threats, and resistance may continue indefinitely, leaving both sides entrenched in their positions.

The coming months will be critical in determining whether talks resume in good faith or collapse under the weight of mistrust. For now, the gap between Iran and the West appears wide, with little sign of narrowing.