Iran’s supreme leader has declared that threats from the United States will not succeed in forcing Tehran into submission. This statement follows recent warnings from the U.S. regarding potential military action against the Islamic Republic.
Speaking in his annual televised address for Nowruz, the Persian New Year, Iran’s Supreme Leader warned that external threats would not deter the country. He emphasized that any hostile actions against the Iranian nation would be met with a firm response.
The comments came after the U.S. president issued a warning about possible military measures if Iran refused to engage in negotiations over its nuclear program. A letter sent by the U.S. administration to Tehran reportedly urged discussions but also contained implicit threats. The letter’s content has been described as an attempt to pressure Iran into compliance while simultaneously offering the prospect of diplomatic engagement.
Iran’s foreign ministry acknowledged the receipt of the letter and indicated that a response was being considered. The letter reportedly set a deadline for reaching a new nuclear agreement, though specific dates were not disclosed.
The U.S. president, now in his second term, has reinstated a policy of maximum pressure on Tehran. This follows his administration’s earlier decision to unilaterally withdraw from a historic nuclear agreement between Iran and major world powers. That deal, which was originally signed to limit Iran’s nuclear capabilities in exchange for sanctions relief, was abandoned by the U.S. in 2018. In response, Iran initially maintained compliance but later began increasing uranium enrichment levels beyond the agreed limits.
Since then, Iran has ramped up its nuclear activities, enriching uranium up to 60 percent—far beyond the restrictions set by the original agreement. This level of enrichment brings Iran closer to the threshold required for weapons-grade material, raising concerns among global powers about potential nuclear proliferation.
Efforts to revive the nuclear deal have faced significant obstacles. The Iranian government has consistently stated that it will not negotiate under pressure, reiterating its stance that talks should take place without coercion. The latest U.S. warnings, combined with economic sanctions and political pressure, have further complicated diplomatic efforts.
While discussions about a possible new agreement continue, Tehran has insisted that any negotiations must be conducted on equal footing and without threats. Officials in Iran have accused the U.S. of employing contradictory tactics, seeking dialogue while simultaneously intensifying economic restrictions and political rhetoric.
Despite international concerns, Iran maintains that its nuclear program remains peaceful and that its actions are in response to external provocations. The country has repeatedly stated that it will adjust its commitments based on how other nations fulfill their obligations under prior agreements.
As tensions persist, the likelihood of a diplomatic breakthrough remains uncertain. Iran’s leadership remains firm in its position that any engagement with the U.S. must be based on mutual respect rather than external pressure. In the coming days, Tehran is expected to formally respond to the latest communication from Washington, which could determine the direction of future relations between the two nations.
