Iran denies receiving Trump's letter on nuclear negotiations
2 Min Read
Iran remains firm in its rejection of direct talks as long as Washington continues its "maximum pressure" policy of sanctions and diplomatic isolation.
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Iranian flag waved at annual rally to mark Quds Day, in support of Palestinians, in Tehran, Iran, Friday, April 5, 2024. (AP)
Iran's Mission to the United Nations has denied receiving a letter from US President Donald Trump addressed to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei, despite Trump's claim that he sent one proposing negotiations on a new nuclear agreement.
"We have not received such a letter so far," an Iranian spokesman told RIA Novosti when asked whether Tehran had received a message from Trump.
In an interview with Fox Business Network, Trump reiterated his hope that Iran would consider talks. "I said I hope you're going to negotiate because it's going to be a lot better for Iran," he stated.
Trump has framed the situation as a choice between diplomacy and military confrontation. "There are two ways Iran can be handled: militarily, or you make a deal," he said. "I would prefer to make a deal, because I'm not looking to hurt Iran. They're great people."
Iran, however, remains firm in its rejection of direct talks as long as Washington continues its "maximum pressure" policy of sanctions and diplomatic isolation. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reaffirmed that Tehran will not engage in negotiations under these conditions. Khamenei himself has previously dismissed the possibility of discussions with the US, calling such engagements neither "smart, wise, nor honorable."
Read more: Iran will negotiate but not at any cost: Pezeshkian
Trump's outreach follows his administration's 2018 withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), an agreement designed to restrict Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. Since then, tensions have escalated, with Tehran gradually rolling back its commitments under the deal.
Meanwhile, Russia has stepped in as a potential mediator. Moscow has reportedly offered to facilitate discussions, with Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov recently meeting Iran's ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali, to explore diplomatic solutions. The Kremlin has vowed to "do everything possible" to prevent further escalation.
Iran and Russia have also strengthened their ties with a 20-year strategic partnership covering defense and nuclear energy, further shifting regional dynamics as Tehran remains resistant to direct US engagement.
