Iran rejects new nuclear negotiations, denies receiving letter from Trump

Iran has firmly rejected the possibility of reopening nuclear negotiations with the United States, dismissing a recent overture from former President Donald Trump, who announced on Friday that he sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, urging for new talks. Trump also suggested the potential for lifting long-standing sanctions if negotiations resume.

However, Iran has denied receiving any such letter from Trump. Iran's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, rejected the claim, stating, "Trump says he has sent a letter to Iran. We have not received any such letter."

Furthermore, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed the possibility of renewed nuclear talks. Speaking to AFP on Friday, Araghchi emphasized that the U.S. must approach any new agreement with "fair and just" conditions. He added that Iran would not respond to threats or pressure but would instead engage in talks based on respect and dignity, echoing previous stances in past negotiations.

Trump’s comments, including a veiled military threat, have also been largely ignored by Iranian officials. During an interview with Fox Business’s Maria Bartiromo, Trump warned that the U.S. could resort to military action if Iran does not come to the table.

"I’ve written them a letter saying I hope you negotiate, because if we have to go in militarily, it’s going to be a terrible thing for them," he said.

Trump has continued to repeat his stance that Iran cannot be allowed to develop nuclear weapons, stating that military action or a new agreement were the two options for dealing with Tehran.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported that Iran’s stockpile of 60% enriched uranium could be further enriched to 90%, which is sufficient for the production of several nuclear weapons.

Despite this, Iranian officials have continued to reject the notion of negotiations under the threat of military action.

Trump’s recent remarks come amid a renewed U.S. policy of "maximum pressure" on Iran, including threats to intervene against Iranian oil exports and military actions aimed at curbing Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. Trump has also warned that Israel, with U.S. approval, may act militarily against Iran, but reiterated his preference for a diplomatic resolution.

In a February interview, Trump made his stance clear, saying, "There’s two ways to stopping them: With bombs or a written piece of paper." However, Tehran’s response has remained one of firm resistance to further talks with the Trump administration, which Iran views as an impasse.