Iran has officially responded to a letter from U.S. President Donald Trump that proposed new nuclear negotiations, emphasizing its refusal to engage in direct talks under pressure but expressing openness to indirect discussions. The response was conveyed through Oman, a nation historically serving as a mediator between Tehran and Washington.
President Trump’s letter, delivered earlier this month by Emirati diplomat Anwar Gargash during his visit to Tehran on March 12, 2025, called for a new nuclear agreement and issued a two-month deadline for reaching a deal, warning of potential military consequences if the deadline was not met.
In its reply, Tehran reiterated its stance against direct negotiations while under the current “maximum pressure” policy enforced by the U.S. administration. However, Iranian officials indicated a willingness to engage in indirect talks to address ongoing disputes.
This diplomatic exchange occurs amid heightened tensions between the two nations. The U.S. has re-imposed sanctions on Iran following its withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal, leading Iran to exceed uranium enrichment limits set by the agreement. Western powers have expressed concern over Iran’s nuclear activities, suspecting a pursuit of nuclear weapons capability, an allegation Iran denies, asserting its program is for peaceful purposes.
While Iran remains open to indirect negotiations, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has dismissed the possibility of direct talks, describing U.S. offers as deceptive and aimed at misleading global public opinion.
