Iranian President Signals Willingness for Indirect Talks with US

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has ruled out direct negotiations with the Trump administration regarding the country’s nuclear program, but indicated a willingness to engage in indirect talks, as per Al Jazeera.

The statement comes as President Trump threatened military action and additional tariffs if Tehran fails to reach an agreement with Washington.

“We responded to the US president’s letter via Oman and rejected the option of direct talks, but we are open to indirect negotiations,” Pezeshkian stated during a cabinet meeting in Tehran on Sunday.

Earlier in March, Trump had reportedly sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warning that Tehran must either agree to fresh negotiations or face a military confrontation. Khamenei dismissed the ultimatum, insisting that Iran would only engage in talks through intermediaries.

Tensions between the two nations remain high following Trump’s decision during his first term (2017-2021) to withdraw the US from the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers. The deal placed strict limitations on Tehran’s nuclear activities in exchange for the lifting of sanctions.

Since the US withdrawal in 2018 and the subsequent reimposition of sweeping US sanctions, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has stated that Iran has amassed enough fissile material for multiple bombs but has not yet attempted to build one. Iran maintains that its nuclear program is solely for civilian energy purposes.

The Iranian economy has been severely impacted by the sanctions, with many observers suggesting that a breakthrough in negotiations with Washington is the only path to economic relief.

Despite the current impasse, Kamal Kharrazi, an advisor to Iran’s Ayatollah Khamenei, has stated that Tehran has “not closed all doors” to negotiations, suggesting a potential pathway for future diplomatic efforts. The possibility of indirect talks offers a potential avenue to de-escalate tensions and address concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear program, amidst ongoing threats and economic pressures.