Iran International
Hardliners in Tehran have grown more vocal in their opposition to renewed diplomacy with Washington following Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s defiant speech this week.
“The United States is in no position to determine what countries should or should not possess nuclear capabilities,” Khamenei said, adding that Iran’s missiles “remain ready to be used again if necessary.”
That tone has quickly been amplified across Iran’s hardline media.
Key hardline outlets—including state television (IRIB), Kayhan closely aligned with Khamenei’s office, Javan linked to the Revolutionary Guards and the ultraconservative Vatan-e Emrooz—have echoed the message that rapprochement with Washington is no longer on the table.
IRIB continues to attack any suggestion that dialogue with the United States could help resolve Iran’s foreign policy or economic challenges.
Its flagship Channel 2 news bulletin, known for ties to the intelligence community, has intensified messaging around “the weakening of US global hegemony” and the rise of powers such as China, Russia, India, and Iran.
'America is gone!'
Javan on Thursday sharply rebuked foreign minister Abbas Araghchi for what it called “ambivalent attitudes” toward the US, accusing him of creating false expectations about a possible thaw in relations.
“Iranian markets react to even the slightest hint of rapprochement,” the daily wrote in an editorial, torching Tehran’s top diplomat for showing readiness to engage if Washington abandoned its “excessive demands” and hinting at indirect contact through US negotiator Steve Witkoff.
“This keeps Iran suspended, waiting for America to reach out,” Javan wrote. “We must forget about friendship with the United States… America is gone!”
Kayhan echoed the sentiment in an editorial titled “Indulge in Your Imagination,” quoting Khamenei’s retort to former US President Donald Trump’s claims about ending Iran’s nuclear program.
“Bombing a center or assassinating a scientist is like cutting one branch of a tree whose roots run throughout Iran,” the paper wrote, asserting that Iran’s nuclear capabilities are scattered wide and deep—across more than 20 universities, 70 research centers, and 1,500 senior experts.
Gearing up?
Vatan-e Emrooz ran a similar headline in English, as if addressing Trump.
“OK. In Your Dreams!” the daily declared, adding that Tehran’s nemesis “has reached the end of its strategy to contain Iran.”
Both papers emphasized that Khamenei’s remarks were not rhetorical flourishes but strategic declarations.
The consistency across IRIB, Javan, Kayhan, and Vatan-e Emrooz suggests a coordinated media campaign to amplify Khamenei’s message: that the Islamic Republic is not entertaining the idea of renewed diplomacy and is readying for more confrontation.
