Iran has indicated that President Trump’s recent letter aligns with his public statements about a nuclear deal. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei noted the letter’s content is similar to Trump’s prior comments. Meanwhile, Iran’s leadership has dismissed the potential for U.S. negotiations, asserting that sanctions would only tighten. Iran continues its engagements with the IAEA amid concerns for its nuclear facilities.
On Monday, Iran stated that a letter from U.S. President Donald Trump, which calls for a nuclear deal, reflects his previous public remarks. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei emphasized that the letter mirrors Trump’s earlier statements, suggesting minimal deviation in the message. Baqaei indicated that a formal response would be crafted once a comprehensive assessment of the letter is complete.
The letter, reportedly directed to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was delivered last Wednesday by Anwar Gargash, a senior diplomat from the United Arab Emirates. On the same day, Khamenei dismissed the possibility of negotiations with the United States, asserting that such discussions would not alleviate sanctions but would indeed exacerbate them.
President Trump, who resumed his presidency in January, has renewed his stringent sanctions policy against Iran, maintaining a consistent approach aimed at preventing the country from developing nuclear weapons, which Iran has continually denied seeking.
Separately, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi is set to convene with Rafael Grossi, the head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog, at its Viennese headquarters. Baqaei noted that this meeting reflects Iran’s ongoing engagement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), especially as concerns regarding threats to Iran’s nuclear facilities grow. Gharibabadi’s meeting follows recent discussions with his Russian and Chinese counterparts in Beijing.
In summary, Iran views President Trump’s recent letter as consistent with his prior statements regarding a nuclear deal. While Iran remains open to dialogue with the IAEA, its leadership has firmly rejected negotiations with the United States, emphasizing that sanctions would only increase. The ongoing diplomatic engagements, particularly with the IAEA, highlight Iran’s desire to safeguard its nuclear interests amid rising tensions.
Original Source: www.hurriyetdailynews.com