Iran denies receiving letter from US President Donald Trump, but dismissed prospects of nuclear negotiations so long as Washington sanctions on Tehran remain in place.
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US President Donald Trump sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, seeking a new nuclear deal with Tehran to restrain its rapidly advancing nuclear programme.
Trump wants to strike a new agreement with Tehran to replace the deal he had withdrew the United States from during his first term in office.
In an interview to US media outlets, Trump stressed that he prefers taking a peaceful approach, and reaching a diplomatic agreement without having to resort to force. He also hinted that he expects results “very soon”.
“Hopefully we can have a peace deal, I’m not speaking out of strength or weakness. I’m just saying I’d rather see a peace deal, than the other. But, the other, will solve the problem,” said Trump.
Both the US and Israel have warned that they will never let Iran acquire a nuclear weapon, leading to fears of a military confrontation as Tehran enriches uranium at near weapons-grade levels, something only done by nuclear-armed nations.
Trump says he’s written Tehran a letter telling the Supreme Leader that he hopes they’re going to negotiate. Trump also added that he explicitly delivered a written threat that if they do not engage in talks, the threat of a military intervention is very much on the table.
“I hope you’re going to negotiate, because if we have to go in militarily, it’s going to be a terrible thing,” noted Trump.
The United Nations welcomed Trump’s outreach to Iran. “As a matter of principle, we reaffirm that diplomacy remains the best way to ensure the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme”, said Stephane Dujarric, UN Spokesperson, in a statement.
“We welcome all diplomatic efforts towards that goal,” added the statement.
Iran claims it’s not received communication from Washington
Iran denies receiving a letter from the US president but have reaffirmed their position stressing that they will not engage in any kind of negotiations.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed the prospect noting that so long as Washington maintains its heavy sanctions on Tehran, no nuclear negotiations or cooperation can take place.
“We will not enter any direct negotiations with the US so long as they continue their maximum pressure policy and their threats,” said the Iranian FM.
The Trump administration has reimposed sanctions against Iran – including on the country’s oil sector – as part of his maximum pressure policy designed to cripple the Iranian economy and force the government into diplomatic submission.
In a speech in August, Supreme Leader Khamenei opened the door to talks with the US, saying there is “no harm in engaging with the enemy”. However, more recently, he’s backtracked stating that negotiations with Washington are “not intelligent, wise or honourable”, after Trump floated the prospect of nuclear talks.
It’s also unclear whether or not Khamenei would event accept a letter from Trump. In 2019, the Ayatollah refused to accept a letter sent by Trump during his first term in office, sent via the late Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Khamenei declared back then that he does not consider Trump personally “worthy of exchanging any messages with” nor will he ever respond to him.