Trump says he seeks deal with Iran, sends letter to Sayyed Khamenei
The letter appears to have been addressed to Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
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A huge Iranian flag is carried under the Azadi (Freedom) monument tower during the annual rally commemorating Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024 (AP)
US President Donald Trump has confirmed sending a letter to Iran's leadership, proposing negotiations for a new nuclear agreement. In an interview with Fox Business Network, Trump said he hopes Tehran will consider talks.
"I said I hope you're going to negotiate because it's going to be a lot better for Iran," he stated.
The letter appears to have been addressed to Iran's Leader, Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei. Iran's foreign ministry has not issued a response, and the White House has not disclosed further details.
Trump framed Iran's 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."
This follows Trump's 2018 withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a deal aimed at limiting Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. Since then, Washington reimposed sanctions, and Tehran reduced its compliance with the accord.
Read more: Iran open to US talks if dignity, sincerity are shown: Pezeshkian
Iran's Supreme Leader has recently dismissed the possibility of direct talks with the US, calling such engagements neither "smart, wise, nor honorable."
Meanwhile, Russia has offered to mediate. A source familiar with the matter told Reuters that Moscow is willing to facilitate discussions. The Russian Foreign Ministry reported that Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov recently met with Iran's ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali, to discuss efforts to address Iran's nuclear program. The Kremlin has pledged to "do everything possible" to prevent escalation.
Iran and Russia recently signed a 20-year strategic partnership covering cooperation in defense and nuclear energy.