Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized Trump’s nuclear talks letter as a threat, not an opportunity. Following Trump’s warning of military action and a deadline for negotiations, Iran indicated it would respond after careful assessment. Diplomatic relations remain strained due to Trump’s reinstatement of sanctions and Iran’s refusal to negotiate under pressure.
On March 20, 2025, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded to a recent letter from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding nuclear talks, labeling it as “more of a threat” than an opportunity. This statement was made during an interview with Iranian state television, where Araghchi indicated that Tehran is currently evaluating the contents of the letter and will issue a reply soon.
The letter, sent to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on March 7, called for negotiations and included a warning of possible military action if Iran did not comply. Khamenei criticized the U.S. invitation as an attempt to mislead the global public by portraying the U.S. as amenable to negotiations while depicting Iran as obstinate.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry announced a plan to conduct a detailed review of the letter, which was delivered by a senior diplomat from the United Arab Emirates on March 12, before formulating a response. Araghchi specified that the reply would be communicated through appropriate channels but offered no further details.
Reports from Axios, referencing U.S. officials, suggested that the letter imposed a “two-month deadline for reaching a new nuclear deal.” Trump, who resumed the presidency in January, has renewed his administration’s strict sanctions against Iran, adhering to a maximum pressure strategy similar to that of his first term.
In 2018, Trump had withdrawn the U.S. from the landmark 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran and reinstated extensive economic sanctions. While Tehran complied with the deal for a year post-withdrawal, it subsequently began to scale back its commitments. Efforts under the Biden administration to revitalize the agreement were unsuccessful, reinforcing Iran’s stand against direct dialogue with Washington amidst ongoing sanctions.
Araghchi emphasized that Iran “definitely will not negotiate directly while facing pressure, threats, and increased sanctions.”
The remarks by Iran’s Foreign Minister highlight the escalating tensions surrounding U.S.-Iran relations and the complexities of nuclear negotiations. Trump’s letter, perceived as a threat, coupled with the insistence on sanctions, indicates a challenging environment for any diplomatic endeavors. Iran’s conditional stance against direct negotiations emphasizes the need for a reevaluation of diplomatic strategies on both sides.
Original Source: www.bssnews.net
