Latest news with #AhmadKhatami
Miami Herald
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Iran Labels Trump a ‘Madman' as Nuclear Talks Enter Critical Phase
Ahmad Khatami, a senior hardline Iranian cleric, has said that President Donald Trump "portrays himself as a madman so that nations will fear him." Khatami ruled out talks with the United States, calling such discussions incompatible with Iran's principles, according to state media. Despite this stance, he confirmed that negotiations continue "under the Supreme Leader's guidance." The announcement comes as Iran and the U.S. prepare for a fifth round of talks in Rome, with Oman once again serving as mediator. Newsweek has reached out to the White House and Iran's foreign ministry for comment. Iran's approach to negotiations underscores the profound mistrust that colors U.S.–Iran relations, even amid ongoing diplomatic efforts. As Trump renews his hardline stance, Tehran maintains a strict position, particularly on its uranium enrichment program, which it says is for peaceful purposes despite U.S. concerns over its potential weapons development. While Iran continues to participate in talks, disagreements over enrichment levels and sanctions remain major obstacles. The upcoming negotiations could influence the future of nuclear diplomacy and regional stability. Ahmad Khatami criticized Trump's tactics as psychological warfare, saying the Iranian people will not be intimidated because "fear of the enemy has no place in our nation's code." He emphasized that engaging directly with Washington conflicts with Iran's values of honor and reason. Regarding Iran's nuclear ambitions, Khatami recognized the connection between uranium enrichment and weapons potential but said that Iran remains committed to religious principles that forbid the development of atomic bombs. "We take our orders from Islam, not America," he stated firmly. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said it's "time to decide" ahead of Friday's nuclear talks with the U.S., emphasizing that "Zero nuclear weapons = we DO have a deal. Zero enrichment = we do NOT have a deal." While the first four rounds of talks mediated by Oman have been broadly positive, Washington has sent mixed signals about accepting any enrichment. The talks, scheduled for around 12 p.m. local time in Rome, will include Araghchi and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff. President Trump has expressed support for the negotiations but warned that military action remains an option if talks fail-an outcome that could heighten tensions in the Middle East and disrupt global oil markets. Iranian senior cleric Ahmad Khatami: "Direct negotiations with Washington are incompatible with honor, rationality, and intelligence. Trump portrays himself as a madman so that nations will fear him." U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff: "We have one very, very clear red line, and that is enrichment. We cannot allow even 1 percent of an enrichment capability." Despite skepticism from Iran's top leadership, the nuclear talks in Rome will proceed, continuing a cautious diplomatic effort amid persistent tensions and the looming potential for conflict. Related Articles Iran Threatens 'Devastating and Decisive Response' If AttackedYou're Not Freeing Palestine, You're a Dupe for the Islamist Cause | OpinionIran Issues New Threat Against Google Over Persian Gulf NameIran Issues New Warning to US and Israel Regarding Nuclear Sites 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
23-05-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Iran Labels Trump a 'Madman' as Nuclear Talks Enter Critical Phase
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Ahmad Khatami, a senior hardline Iranian cleric, has said that President Donald Trump "portrays himself as a madman so that nations will fear him." Khatami ruled out talks with the United States, calling such discussions incompatible with Iran's principles, according to state media. Despite this stance, he confirmed that negotiations continue "under the Supreme Leader's guidance." The announcement comes as Iran and the U.S. prepare for a fifth round of talks in Rome, with Oman once again serving as mediator. Newsweek has reached out to the White House and Iran's foreign ministry for comment. Why It Matters Iran's approach to negotiations underscores the profound mistrust that colors U.S.–Iran relations, even amid ongoing diplomatic efforts. As Trump renews his hardline stance, Tehran maintains a strict position, particularly on its uranium enrichment program, which it says is for peaceful purposes despite U.S. concerns over its potential weapons development. While Iran continues to participate in talks, disagreements over enrichment levels and sanctions remain major obstacles. The upcoming negotiations could influence the future of nuclear diplomacy and regional stability. In this Jan. 5, 2018 file photo, Iranian senior cleric Ahmad Khatami delivers his sermon during Friday prayer ceremony in Tehran, Iran. In recent months, Iran has been beset by economic problems despite the promises... In this Jan. 5, 2018 file photo, Iranian senior cleric Ahmad Khatami delivers his sermon during Friday prayer ceremony in Tehran, Iran. In recent months, Iran has been beset by economic problems despite the promises surrounding the 2015 nuclear deal it struck with world powers. More Ebrahim Noroozi/AP Photo What To Know Ahmad Khatami criticized Trump's tactics as psychological warfare, saying the Iranian people will not be intimidated because "fear of the enemy has no place in our nation's code." He emphasized that engaging directly with Washington conflicts with Iran's values of honor and reason. Regarding Iran's nuclear ambitions, Khatami recognized the connection between uranium enrichment and weapons potential but said that Iran remains committed to religious principles that forbid the development of atomic bombs. "We take our orders from Islam, not America," he stated firmly. 'Time to Decide' Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said it's "time to decide" ahead of Friday's nuclear talks with the U.S., emphasizing that "Zero nuclear weapons = we DO have a deal. Zero enrichment = we do NOT have a deal." While the first four rounds of talks mediated by Oman have been broadly positive, Washington has sent mixed signals about accepting any enrichment. Set to travel to Rome for 5th round of indirect talks with the United States. Figuring out the path to a deal is not rocket science: Zero nuclear weapons = we DO have a deal. Zero enrichment = we do NOT have a deal. Time to decide... — Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) May 22, 2025 The talks, scheduled for around 12 p.m. local time in Rome, will include Araghchi and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff. President Trump has expressed support for the negotiations but warned that military action remains an option if talks fail—an outcome that could heighten tensions in the Middle East and disrupt global oil markets. What People Are Saying Iranian senior cleric Ahmad Khatami: "Direct negotiations with Washington are incompatible with honor, rationality, and intelligence. Trump portrays himself as a madman so that nations will fear him." U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff: "We have one very, very clear red line, and that is enrichment. We cannot allow even 1 percent of an enrichment capability." What Happens Next Despite skepticism from Iran's top leadership, the nuclear talks in Rome will proceed, continuing a cautious diplomatic effort amid persistent tensions and the looming potential for conflict.
Memri
21-03-2025
- Politics
- Memri
Iranian Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami in Tehran Friday Sermon Warns U.S. and European Powers: Iran Will Wipe Them Off the Face of History; Turkey Has No Shame in Warning Iran against Interfering in Syria Wh
In his March 7, 2025 Friday sermon in Tehran, Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami, a member of the Guardian Council and the Assembly of Experts, addressed Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, accusing him of insulting Iran by calling for it to stop its regional policy. He remarked that the whole world now sees how Turkey interferes in Syria and asked whether Turkey has no shame in telling Iran not to interfere in Syria while it is interfering? Khatami also warned the U.S., England, Germany, and France that if they do not stop their threats against Iran and its nuclear program, Iran would wipe them off the face of history. The worshippers responded with chants of 'Death to America! Death to England!' The sermon was aired on IRINN TV (Iran).
