Iran’s Supreme leader has criticized “bullying” countries, seemingly in response to Donald Trump’s comments that he sent a letter to Iran demanding negotiations over its nuclear program. Trump warned Tehran that it may face military action unless it agrees to talks for a nuclear deal. In a furious response, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated that Iran will not negotiate with “bullying governments” insisting on talks. His regime has made rapid advancements in its nuclear program in recent years, according to the UN’s monitor. Trump expressed his desire to strike a new deal with Iran to prevent further development of its nuclear program. He offered Iran a chance to negotiate or risk its nuclear program being targeted. Khamenei, in a Ramadan meeting with officials, did not name the US but accused “some bully governments” of seeking domination through negotiations. The issue goes beyond the nuclear issue and involves setting new expectations, which Iran will not meet. The head of the UN nuclear watchdog expressed concern over Iran’s decision to produce highly enriched uranium. While Tehran denies accusations of building nuclear weapons and claims its program has peaceful aims, it had previously agreed to limits on its nuclear program under the 2015 Iran nuclear accord. However, during his first term in office, Trump withdrew the US from the deal and reinstated US sanctions on Iran. Since then, Iran has accelerated its nuclear program, amassing stocks near weapons grade. Conflicts in the Middle East have also heightened nuclear tensions. Trump stated that he would give Israel the green light to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities in response to Israeli-Iranian exchanges of attacks. Iran’s air defense systems, which protect its nuclear facilities, were damaged in Israeli strikes. Additionally, Iran’s government faces economic pressure from Western sanctions and has experienced nationwide protests in recent years. Iran is set to hold joint naval drills with Russia and China in the near future.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2ed4qzp4do