Iran rejects Trump’s call for direct nuclear talks.
FM states that direct talks with a country that continuously threatens to use force make no sense.
Key Points:
Rejection of Direct Talks: Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, rejected U.S. President Trump’s proposal for direct negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program, calling it “pointless.”
Trump’s Offer: Trump had sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, last month proposing direct talks but warned of military action if diplomacy failed. He reiterated this preference for direct talks on Thursday, emphasizing that they were faster and more effective than using intermediaries.
Iran’s Stance: Iran dismissed the idea of direct talks, arguing that negotiations were meaningless with a country that frequently threatens the use of force, violating the UN Charter. Araghchi emphasized Iran’s commitment to diplomacy but insisted that indirect negotiations were more sensible.
President’s Response: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with the U.S. on an equal footing but questioned the sincerity of Washington’s calls for talks, citing the contradictions in its approach.
Military Readiness: Iran remains prepared for any eventuality, as highlighted by General Mohammad Bagheri, who reiterated Iran’s commitment to peace but affirmed the country’s readiness to respond strongly to any threats.
Historical Context of Diplomatic Relations: The U.S. and Iran have not had diplomatic relations since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Third-party countries like Oman have often played intermediary roles.
Nuclear Dispute: Western nations, led by the U.S., have long accused Iran of seeking nuclear weapons, a claim Iran denies, insisting its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes. In 2015, Iran reached the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) to limit its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.
Iran remains firm in rejecting direct negotiations with the U.S. under the threat of military force, seeing such talks as ineffective and contradictory. While Iran expresses a continued commitment to diplomacy, it stresses the importance of mutual respect and equal footing in discussions. The tension surrounding Iran’s nuclear program continues to be a major point of contention, with both sides maintaining opposing views on the sincerity and practicality of negotiations.
