DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — On Sunday, Iran’s president firmly dismissed the idea of direct negotiations with the United States concerning its advancing nuclear program. This announcement serves as the nation’s first public response to a letter sent by U.S. President Donald Trump to Iran’s supreme leader.
President Masoud Pezeshkian indicated that while Iran had sent a reply via Oman, there remains room for indirect discussions. However, since Trump’s unilateral decision to withdraw the U.S. from the nuclear accord established with world powers in 2018, progress in diplomacy has stalled.
The region has witnessed increasing tensions, marked by conflicts and skirmishes both by sea and land. This climate of volatility escalated with the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, where Israeli forces specifically targeted leaders affiliated with groups allied within Iran’s “Axis of Resistance.” Currently, as the U.S. intensifies airstrikes against Iranian-backed Houthi fighters in Yemen, the possibility of military action aimed at disabling Iran’s nuclear capabilities remains looming.
“We are not opposed to dialogue,” Pezeshkian remarked during a televised government session. “Our concerns stem from the breaches of past commitments. Trust must be restored.”
Following Pezeshkian’s statements, the U.S. State Department reiterated that President Trump is resolute in preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. The administration signaled willingness for discussion while warning that refusal from Iran could lead to “very bad” alternatives.
During a conversation with journalists while flying from Florida, Trump maintained a preference for a diplomatic solution, cautioning against unfavorable outcomes if no agreement is reached.
Pezeshkian’s response marks a significant shift in Iran’s stance since his assumption of office, having campaigned for renewed engagement with the West. Iran’s economic challenges have been exacerbated by Trump’s “maximum pressure” strategy, leading to a downturn in the rial currency. Despite initial openness, Pezeshkian hardened his position following the Supreme Leader’s rebuke of Trump.
Within Iran, mixed messaging persists. Recent public demonstrations, traditionally marked by chants against both Israel and the U.S., have seen some deviation. Notably, a recent military presentation by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard omitted usual anti-American symbols while maintaining anti-Israel rhetoric. Meanwhile, Iranian media have underscored U.S. military installations in the region as potential targets, heightening discourse on military vulnerability.
Despite frequent regional provocations, Iran’s recent direct assaults on Israel resulted in minimal damage as Israel effectively neutralized Iranian defenses.
Trump’s correspondence with Tehran, delivered in mid-March, was previously confirmed in a media interview but lacked details. Historically, Trump’s exchange of letters with North Korea led to dialogues without tangible agreements, echoing his previous attempt at communications with Iran that were met with derision from the supreme leader.
This communication arrives in the midst of renewed threats from Israel and the U.S. to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Worries arise over potential military confrontation as Iran continues enriching uranium to near weapons-grade levels, a significant step closer to developing nuclear capabilities.
Compounding Iran’s skepticism toward Trump is the memory of the U.S. operation that killed General Qassem Soleimani in early 2020, an event that strained relationships further. Allegations of Tehran plotting against Trump, despite official denials, have only fueled the tension surrounding upcoming political developments.