Iran weighs response to Trump's offer for nuclear talks
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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated that Tehran will not consider direct talks with Washington unless economic sanctions are lifted.
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The Iranian flag is waved in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, June 18, 2024 (AP)
Iran is carefully evaluating a recent letter from US President Donald Trump, which calls for renewed nuclear negotiations while warning of potential military action if Tehran refuses to engage. The Foreign Ministry confirmed on Thursday that the letter, addressed to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is under review before a formal response is issued.
"The letter was received last night and is currently being reviewed," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei told state-run IRNA. "A decision on how to respond will be made after a thorough assessment."
The letter was delivered by senior Emirati diplomat Anwar Gargash, but it remains unclear whether Sayyed Khamenei has personally reviewed its contents.
Speaking on Wednesday, Sayyed Khamenei dismissed the US invitation for negotiations, accusing Washington of attempting to manipulate global perception by presenting itself as willing to talk while exerting economic and political pressure on Iran.
"The proposed negotiations will not lift sanctions but will instead make the sanctions knot tighter," Khamenei stated. He went on to call US threats of military action "unwise", adding that while Iran is not seeking war, it will respond with decisiveness and certainty if provoked.
Trump's Hardline Stance Returns
After reclaiming the presidency in January, Trump has reinstated his "maximum pressure" policy, similar to his first term. His decision to withdraw from the 2015 nuclear agreement and reimpose harsh economic sanctions severely impacted Iran’s economy.
Initially, Iran continued to abide by the nuclear agreement for a year following the US exit but later scaled back its commitments. Although the Biden administration was stating publically it wanted to revive the deal, negotiations stalled, leaving Iran unwilling to engage while sanctions remain in place.
Read more: Pezeshkian rules out US talks, tells Trump 'Do what you want'
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated that Tehran will not consider direct talks with Washington unless economic sanctions are lifted.
"Ultimately, the United States should lift the sanctions," Araghchi said in an interview published Thursday. "We will enter into direct negotiations when we are on an equal footing, free from pressure and threats, and are confident that the national interests of the people will be guaranteed."
