In a forceful address Monday, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared that any real cooperation with the United States is impossible so long as Washington supports Israel, maintains military bases in the Middle East, and meddles in regional affairs. His remarks mark a renewed rejection of U.S. overtures amid rising tensions between the two nations.
Khamenei’s statement came at a time when the Trump administration continues to intensify its pressure campaign against Tehran through sanctions, military deterrence, and diplomatic isolation, even while publicly hinting at a possible return to dialogue. Washington has maintained that it is open to renewed talks if Iran agrees to curb its nuclear ambitions and regional influence, but its simultaneous support for Israel and its military presence across the Gulf have deepened mistrust in Tehran.
According to Iranian state media, Khamenei said, “The Americans sometimes say they would like to cooperate with Iran. Cooperation with Iran is not possible as long as the U.S. continues to support the accursed Zionist regime, maintains military bases, and interferes in the region.”
His comments directly challenge earlier statements by President Trump, who in October said the United States stood ready to “make a deal with Iran,” describing America’s offer as a “hand of friendship and cooperation.”
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Iran and the U.S. have gone through five rounds of nuclear negotiations prior to a brief conflict in June, which saw Israeli and U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure.
Key sticking points remain unresolved. Western powers continue to insist that Iran reduce uranium enrichment to zero to eliminate any potential for weaponization, a proposal Tehran rejects as unacceptable.
Tehran has insisted that future talks must respect its sovereignty, including maintaining its civil nuclear program and its regional posture.
Unless the U.S. shifts its policy toward Israel and regional bases, Iran is unlikely to re-engage in serious negotiations.
With snapback sanctions active and European states pushing for engagement, global actors will be watching Tehran’s next moves.
For now, Khamenei’s statement shows that the road to U.S.–Iran cooperation, already narrow, may be blocked entirely under current conditions.
