Iran Denies Receiving Trump’s Letter on Nuclear Talks
Iran dismissed claims by former US President Donald Trump that he had sent a letter to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urging negotiations on Tehran’s fast-advancing nuclear program.
“We have not received any such letter,” an Iranian embassy spokesperson stated on Friday, contradicting Trump’s assertion.
Trump, speaking to Fox Business News, claimed to have reached out to Iran’s leadership to discuss a new nuclear deal. The full interview is set to air on Sunday, with excerpts released on Friday.
No Direct Talks While Sanctions Persist
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi firmly ruled out any direct negotiations with Washington unless US sanctions are lifted.
“We will not engage in talks while the US continues its maximum pressure campaign and threats,” Araghchi told AFP.
Read More: Iran Deems Israeli Attack on Nuclear Sites ‘Unlikely’
Since returning to office in January, Trump has reimposed tough economic sanctions, targeting Iran’s oil exports and key industries as part of his administration’s hardline stance on Tehran.
Despite Trump’s claim, Iranian state media reported no confirmation from Khamenei’s office regarding the alleged letter, fueling skepticism about the US diplomatic outreach.
Nuclear Tensions & Diplomatic Uncertainty
Khamenei, in an August 2023 speech, expressed openness to dialogue, stating there was no harm in engaging with adversaries. His remarks followed the election of reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian in June, who supports reinstating nuclear negotiations, akin to the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, which Trump withdrew from in 2018.
Amid rising geopolitical tensions, both the US and Israel have reaffirmed their stance against Iran acquiring nuclear weapons, warning of potential military intervention.
Trump emphasized this in his interview, stating:
“I hope negotiations happen, because if military action is required, it will be a terrible situation.”
While the White House confirmed the letter’s existence, it did not reveal specific proposals made to Iran.
Iran’s Nuclear Advancements & International Concerns
Tehran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, though recent warnings from Iranian officials suggest a potential policy shift amid escalating tensions with Washington and Tel Aviv.
A UN nuclear watchdog report recently confirmed that Iran has ramped up uranium enrichment to near-weapons-grade levels. However, US intelligence assessments indicate that while Tehran has taken steps that could lead to a nuclear weapon, it has not yet initiated an official weapons program.
The latest developments add uncertainty to diplomatic efforts, leaving global powers on edge over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
