Iran has firmly rejected any prospect of nuclear negotiations with the United States, denying receiving a letter from former President Donald Trump. Tehran reiterated its stance that nuclear talks cannot take place as long as the U.S. maintains its heavy sanctions on Iran.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump recently claimed to have sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, proposing a new nuclear deal to curb Iran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program. Trump emphasized his preference for a peaceful diplomatic solution, stating that he would rather reach a peace deal than resort to military action, but warned that military intervention remains a possibility if talks fail.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi quickly dismissed the possibility of any negotiations with Washington. He stated, “We will not enter direct negotiations with the U.S. as long as they continue their maximum pressure policy and threats.”
The Trump administration’s reimposition of sanctions, particularly targeting Iran’s oil sector, aims to pressure the Iranian government into making concessions on its nuclear program. However, Tehran maintains that the sanctions undermine the potential for successful diplomacy.
While Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei initially signaled openness to engaging with the U.S. in 2024, he has since hardened his position. After Trump’s recent calls for negotiations, Khamenei rejected the idea, describing talks with Washington as “not intelligent, wise, or honorable.” Khamenei had also rejected a letter from Trump in 2019, stating that Trump was unworthy of communication.
The United Nations welcomed Trump’s efforts to restart nuclear negotiations, underscoring the importance of diplomacy in preventing nuclear escalation. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric affirmed that dialogue remains the best way to ensure Iran’s nuclear program is peaceful.
As tensions between the U.S. and Iran escalate, the possibility of a diplomatic breakthrough appears slim. Iran’s continued uranium enrichment, approaching weapons-grade levels, raises concerns globally, particularly from the U.S. and Israel, both of which have warned against allowing Iran to develop nuclear weapons.
Iran’s rejection of Trump’s offer for nuclear talks amid ongoing sanctions highlights the deepening diplomatic divide between the two countries. With tensions escalating and Iran edging closer to nuclear weapons capability, the international community remains concerned about the potential for military conflict. Diplomatic efforts, however, continue to be the preferred solution.