Iran reviews Trump’s call for Nuclear talks amid tensions

Iran has confirmed that it is carefully evaluating a letter from U.S. President Donald Trump, urging nuclear negotiations while warning of possible military action if Tehran refuses.

Esmaeil Baqaei, spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry, stated on Thursday that the letter, delivered by UAE diplomat Anwar Gargash, was received the previous night and is currently under review. “A decision on how to respond will be made after a thorough assessment,” Baqaei told IRNA, Iran’s state news agency.

The letter was reportedly addressed to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, though it remains unclear if he personally received it.

Khamenei has already dismissed Washington’s outreach as an attempt to manipulate global perception, arguing that the U.S. seeks to appear open to dialogue while framing Iran as unwilling. “Negotiations will not lift sanctions but will tighten the knot,” Khamenei said on Wednesday, rejecting Trump’s warning of military action as “unwise.”

While reiterating that Iran does not seek war, Khamenei warned, “If someone takes action, our response will be decisive and certain.”

Trump, who reinstated his “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran upon returning to office in January, has reverted to a hardline stance, similar to his first term. His administration withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal and reimposed severe sanctions on Tehran.

Efforts to revive the agreement under former President Joe Biden saw little progress, and Iran has since ruled out direct talks unless sanctions are lifted.

“Iran will only enter direct negotiations when we are on an equal footing, free from pressure and threats, and when the national interests of the people are guaranteed,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in an interview on Thursday.