Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said on Saturday that Tehran will not give in to U.S. pressure in nuclear negotiations, sharpening the government’s public stance as talks remain stalled. His remarks come at a politically sensitive moment, with the country marking the anniversary of deadly 2025 anti-government protests.

The comments signal continued resistance from Iran’s leadership at a time when sanctions, economic strain and public anger remain major pressures inside the country. For many Iranians, the broader backdrop is not just diplomacy but a widening gap between the state’s rhetoric and the hardships facing ordinary people.

The anniversary of the 2025 protests also underscores the government’s unresolved conflict with citizens who challenged repression and demanded accountability. Rights groups and families of victims have continued to press for answers over the use of force during past unrest, even as officials maintain a hard line.

Khamenei’s message suggests Tehran is still trying to project defiance in the face of external pressure, while domestic tensions over protests, repression and economic pain remain far from settled. The nuclear dispute continues to shape Iran’s isolation, but the bigger story for many civilians is the cost of prolonged confrontation at home and abroad.