Khamenei rejects talks as Trump warns of ‘final moments’ with Iran

Iran‘s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has dismissed diplomatic negotiations with the United States, accusing Washington of seeking dominance rather than resolution. His remarks come in response to US President Donald Trump‘s latest warnings of potential military action against Tehran, further escalating tensions between the two nations.

Speaking on Saturday, 8 March 2025, during a meeting with Iranian officials, Khamenei criticised what he described as the “bullying tactics” of foreign powers. He insisted that talks were merely a tool for exerting control over Iran rather than genuine attempts at resolving disputes.

“Some bully governments—I really don’t know of any more appropriate term for some foreign figures and leaders than the word bullying—insist on negotiations. Their negotiations are not aimed at solving problems, they aim at domination,” Khamenei stated.

His comments followed Trump’s assertion on Friday that the situation with Iran was approaching a critical point. The US president suggested that action against Tehran could happen soon if Iran refused to engage in discussions over its nuclear programme.

Trump Hints at Imminent Action Against Iran

Trump, speaking from the Oval Office, indicated that a significant development regarding Iran was on the horizon, though he refrained from revealing specific details.

“Something is going to happen very soon,” he told reporters. “We’re down to final strokes with Iran. That’s going to be an interesting time, and we’ll see what happens.”

The US president reinforced his administration’s position against Iran’s nuclear ambitions, stating that his government would not permit Tehran to develop a nuclear weapon.

“It’s an interesting time in the history of the world, but we have a situation with Iran that something’s going to happen very soon—very, very soon,” he said.

Trump’s comments have intensified concerns over a potential military confrontation, especially given the US administration’s previous strikes on Iranian-backed militias in the Middle East. Washington has repeatedly accused Tehran of destabilising the region through its support of armed groups.

US Pushes for Negotiations as Iran Stands Firm

Despite his warnings, Trump also confirmed that he had reached out to Khamenei in an attempt to revive diplomatic negotiations. However, Iranian officials have denied receiving any formal communication from Washington.

“I’ve written them a letter, saying I hope you’re going to negotiate because if we have to go in militarily, it’s going to be a terrible thing for them. You can’t let them have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said.

Iran, however, remains defiant. The country’s mission to the United Nations stated, “We have not received such a letter so far.” Tehran has repeatedly insisted that it will not engage in talks unless the US lifts its crippling sanctions, which have significantly impacted Iran’s economy and oil exports.

This latest escalation underscores the ongoing volatility in US-Iran relations, with both sides unwilling to back down. Analysts warn that a failure to de-escalate tensions could lead to further instability in the Middle East, impacting global oil markets and security dynamics.

Potential Impact on Global Markets

The rising tensions between the US and Iran have already had ripple effects across global markets. Energy analysts predict that heightened conflict could lead to increased oil prices, as Iran remains a key player in the global energy supply chain.

“Geopolitical uncertainty always plays a role in market fluctuations,” one energy expert noted. “If military action takes place, we could see crude oil prices spike due to supply chain disruptions in the region.”

The potential for military engagement also raises concerns over broader economic repercussions, particularly for European and Asian markets that rely heavily on Middle Eastern energy exports. Investors are closely monitoring the situation, with volatility expected in key sectors such as commodities and defense stocks.

What Comes Next?

With neither Washington nor Tehran showing signs of compromise, the risk of escalation remains high. Trump’s rhetoric suggests that the US is prepared to take action if Iran does not comply with demands for nuclear negotiations. Meanwhile, Khamenei’s defiant stance signals that Iran is unwilling to concede under external pressure.

As the situation unfolds, global leaders will be watching closely, with diplomatic channels likely to be tested in the coming days. The question remains—will negotiations prevail, or is the world on the brink of another Middle Eastern conflict?