Iran's Supreme Leader Weighs US Nuclear Talks as Economic Strain Threatens Regime Stability
April 16, 2025
Senior officials have urged Khamenei to engage in talks regarding Iran's nuclear program, warning that failure to do so could lead to the regime's collapse.
The dire economic situation in Iran makes the prospect of military conflict particularly risky for the stability of the Islamic Republic.
Discussions between US and Iranian officials on the nuclear issue are scheduled to take place in Oman, following the commencement of talks in Muscat on April 12, 2025.
Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is reportedly considering nuclear negotiations with the United States as a strategy to maintain regime stability and alleviate the impact of international sanctions on the economy.
Officials have cautioned Khamenei about the serious threat of military action from the US and Israel against Iran's nuclear facilities, which could trigger internal unrest.
The US Special Envoy to the Middle East has emphasized that any potential nuclear deal must eliminate Iran's enrichment program, raising concerns about verification of weaponization and missile capabilities.
During a meeting on April 15, Khamenei highlighted the need for caution in nuclear negotiations, reflecting a deep-seated distrust toward the US, particularly after the Trump administration's withdrawal from the JCPOA.
The recent meeting included key figures from Iran's judiciary and parliament, indicating a rare unified push for dialogue with Washington.
In a recent shift, the Iranian government has expressed a willingness to reduce uranium enrichment to comply with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) limits.
Currently, Iran possesses 274.8 kilograms of 60 percent enriched uranium, sufficient to produce approximately six nuclear weapons if further enriched.
The US administration is reportedly debating possible compromises in the nuclear talks, with some officials focusing on Iran's support for the Axis of Resistance, although this was not addressed in the initial discussions.
An update from the Critical Threats Project and the Institute for the Study of War has highlighted Iranian activities that threaten regional stability and US interests.
Summary based on 2 sources