Iran's Khamenei says past experience shows talks with the U.S. are 'unwise'

He condemns the U.S. for breaking past agreements despite Iran's concessions. 

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Friday that negotiations with the United States were "neither smart, wise, nor honorable," just days after former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed interest in striking a deal with Iran.

Khamenei criticized Trump’s previous administration for failing to uphold agreements despite Iran’s concessions but did not explicitly renew the ban on direct talks with Washington, which he had first imposed in 2018.

Earlier this week, Trump stated he wanted to work on a "verified nuclear peace agreement" with Iran while also reinstating his maximum pressure campaign. "I would love to be able to make a great deal—a deal where you can get on with your lives," Trump told reporters.

During his presidency in 2018, Trump withdrew the U.S. from Tehran’s 2015 nuclear agreement with world powers and reimposed sanctions that severely impacted Iran’s economy. In response, Tehran breached the pact’s nuclear restrictions.

"Negotiating with America is neither smart, wise, nor honorable. It will not solve any of our problems. The reason? Experience!" Khamenei said in remarks to air force personnel, as reported by Iranian state media on the anniversary of Iran’s 1979 revolution.

He emphasized that Iran had spent two years negotiating the nuclear deal, only for the U.S. to renege on its commitments. "The person in charge tore it up," he said, referring to Trump.

Despite Khamenei’s remarks, a senior Iranian official told Reuters on Wednesday that Iran remained open to resolving disputes with the U.S.

Khamenei also warned that Iran would respond to any American aggression. "If they threaten our security, we will threaten theirs. If they act on their threats, we will do the same."

Regarding Trump’s reported proposal to relocate Palestinian inhabitants from Gaza to neighboring Arab countries, Khamenei dismissed it, saying: "On paper, Americans are redrawing the world map. But it’s only on paper—completely detached from reality."