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Tehran — Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Tuesday that Iran remains cautious about renewed nuclear negotiations with the United States, warning against public over-optimism while reaffirming the country’s commitment to protecting its national interests.
Speaking during a meeting with lawmakers in Tehran, Khamenei said he is “neither overly optimistic nor pessimistic” about the outcome of the discussions, in what appeared to be a calculated move to temper rising public expectations following recent progress in informal talks.
“After all, it is a process which was decided and its first steps have been well implemented,” Khamenei said, as quoted by Iranian state media.
Talks Resume Amid Public Hope and Economic Strain
The renewed dialogue comes after a decade of diplomatic tensions and economic pain for Iran. Last weekend’s round of discussions in Oman — described by both Washington and Tehran as “positive” — has sparked cautious optimism, especially among ordinary Iranians grappling with inflation, unemployment, and a depreciating currency.
The two sides are scheduled to resume talks on April 19 in Oman, a neutral ground that has historically facilitated discreet diplomacy between Iran and the West.
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Iran’s rial has surged nearly 20% against the US dollar in recent days, driven by expectations of a deal that could potentially ease the country’s economic isolation and pave the way for sanctions relief.
Trump Factor Looms Large Over New Negotiations
Despite the hopeful rhetoric, Tehran remains deeply skeptical of former President Donald Trump, who unilaterally withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA) during his first term in office. His administration then reimposed sweeping sanctions that crippled Iran’s economy and escalated tensions in the Gulf.
Although President Trump has recently expressed interest in securing a new agreement, Iranian leaders are wary of his record and rhetoric. Trump has repeatedly threatened military action if diplomacy fails, raising doubts in Tehran about his true intentions.
“From here on, it [the talks] must be followed through carefully, with red lines clearly defined for both the other side and for us,” Khamenei warned. “The negotiations may lead to results, or they may not.”
Khamenei: Don’t Link Nation’s Future to Talks
In a clear message to Iranian officials and the public, Khamenei cautioned against tying the country’s fate to any single diplomatic outcome.
“Avoid linking the country’s fate to these talks,” he told lawmakers, underscoring that Iran must continue pursuing self-reliance and economic resilience regardless of whether the negotiations succeed.
While Tehran’s hardline establishment has long used anti-American sentiment as a unifying narrative since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, worsening economic conditions have forced a pragmatic shift in strategy. This includes Khamenei’s own approval of backchannel engagement with Washington — a move once considered unlikely given his historically hard stance on the U.S.
Domestic Pressures and Strategic Calculations
Insiders and Iranian politicians say failure to reach a deal with the Trump administration could severely damage the Islamic Republic — even if Iran tries to portray Washington as the unreasonable party. The cost of no deal could include continued economic suffering and growing political discontent.
With inflation at record highs, foreign investment at a near standstill, and youth unemployment rising, Iranian leadership appears increasingly aware of the domestic pressures building across the country.
In recent months, public protests over economic hardship have become more frequent, and many Iranians have turned to social media to voice their hope that the renewed talks may offer a way out.
Long History of US-Iran Hostility
The complex and adversarial relationship between Tehran and Washington dates back over four decades, beginning with the 1979 revolution that ousted the U.S.-backed Shah and led to the establishment of the Islamic Republic.
The two countries have not maintained formal diplomatic relations since then, with the nuclear issue often at the center of their hostilities.
The 2015 nuclear deal, signed between Iran and six world powers (U.S., UK, France, Russia, China, and Germany), was a rare diplomatic breakthrough. Under its terms, Iran agreed to scale back its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. Trump’s withdrawal from the agreement in 2018, however, dealt a major blow to the accord and intensified regional tensions.
Next Steps: April 19 Talks in Oman
All eyes are now on the upcoming April 19 negotiations in Oman, where both sides are expected to explore pathways toward a limited agreement or even a broader framework to restore elements of the 2015 deal.
While Khamenei’s remarks suggest Iran will continue to engage, the path forward remains uncertain. The tone may be cautiously optimistic, but the stakes — for both Iran’s economy and regional stability — couldn’t be higher.
