Trump calls for new Iran nuclear deal, Tehran responds with caution
3 Min Read
Any future negotiations would require the US to "rein in Israel" if Washington genuinely seeks a meaningful agreement with Iran.
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Spokeswoman for the Iranian administration Fatemeh Mohajerani (Tasnim News Agency)
US President Donald Trump has called for renewed negotiations on a "verified nuclear peace agreement" with Iran, urging immediate talks while reinstating his maximum pressure policy. Tehran, however, responded cautiously, stating that its diplomatic approach remains rooted in dignity, wisdom, and expediency.
On Tuesday, Trump signed an order reinstating the maximum pressure strategy against Iran, a policy first introduced during his first term after he withdrew the US from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear agreement. The move coincided with his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where both leaders reiterated that Iran must never develop nuclear weapons.
Speaking on his Truth Social platform early Wednesday, Trump reaffirmed his stance:
"I want Iran to be a great and successful Country, but one that cannot have a Nuclear Weapon. I would much prefer a Verified Nuclear Peace Agreement, which will let Iran peacefully grow and prosper."
The former president also dismissed speculation of a US-"Israel" military operation against Iran, calling such reports "greatly exaggerated." Instead, he advocated for immediate diplomatic efforts to secure a new agreement, envisioning a "big Middle East celebration" once a deal is finalized.
Iran's response
Iran reacted carefully to Trump's remarks, neither welcoming nor outright rejecting the idea of negotiations. Government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani stated in a press conference on Wednesday that Iran's foreign policy is shaped by national interests and pragmatic considerations.
"Our international issues have been founded upon the principles of dignity, wisdom, and expediency. All issues, specifically relations with countries, are being pursued on the basis of these three principles," she said when asked about Trump's willingness to engage with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed Trump's maximum pressure approach, warning that repeating past mistakes would only lead to another failure. He reiterated Iran's position that it has no intention of developing nuclear weapons, pointing to the fatwa issued by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which forbids the pursuit of nuclear arms.
Read more: Any 'maximum pressure' policy to be met with maximum defeat: Iran FM
Iran demands 'US rein in Israel'
A senior Iranian official, speaking to Reuters, indicated that while Tehran is willing to explore diplomatic solutions, it remains concerned about Israeli actions. The official stated that any future negotiations would require the US to "rein in Israel" if Washington genuinely seeks a meaningful agreement with Iran.
Iran's nuclear agency chief Mohammad Eslami further reaffirmed the country's commitment to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and rejected claims that Iran had any intention of pursuing nuclear weapons.
"Iran does not have, and will not have a nuclear weapons program," Eslami said.
