Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reaffirmed Sunday that Iran has refused direct discussions with the Trump administration over its nuclear program but remains open to indirect negotiations. The announcement, released through his office, follows a letter sent by former U.S. President Donald Trump, reportedly delivered via Oman on March 12. Iranian state media confirmed that Trump used an Emirati intermediary to communicate with Tehran.
President Pezeshkian emphasized in a cabinet meeting that, while direct negotiations were dismissed, “the door for indirect talks remains open.” He further explained that Iran has never shied away from discussions on its nuclear program. However, the nature of future diplomacy will depend on the actions of the United States, according to Pezeshkian.
Although the contents of Trump’s letter have not been disclosed, the former president told Fox News that his primary message to Iran was that the U.S. would not tolerate the development of a nuclear weapon. Trump also warned that military intervention was a possibility if Iran refused to engage in discussions.
Kamal Kharazi, a senior advisor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, echoed similar sentiments on Friday, signaling a rare consensus between Iran’s elected government and religious leadership. This unified position reflects a potential shift in Tehran’s diplomatic strategy, suggesting a willingness to re-engage with Western nations through intermediaries.
Notably, this alignment could set the stage for renewed diplomacy between Iran and the West, an essential step given the rising tensions over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.
The United States has long opposed Iran’s pursuit of nuclear technology, citing concerns over regional instability, the potential for a Middle Eastern arms race, and threats to allies such as Israel. Additionally, U.S. officials fear that Iran could share nuclear technology with extremist groups.
On the other hand, Iran argues that it is entitled to develop nuclear capabilities for peaceful purposes, including defense and energy, under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Supporters of Iran’s nuclear program claim it could stabilize regional power dynamics, as nuclear deterrence has done for other nuclear powers globally.
As talks remain in limbo, the world waits to see whether this new openness to indirect discussions could lead to progress in resolving one of the most pressing international security issues.
