Iran Responds to Trump’s Letter on Nuclear Deal, Stresses Negotiation Rejection

Iran stated that a letter from President Trump regarding a nuclear deal mirrors his public statements. Khamenei rejected negotiations, asserting they would tighten sanctions. The deputy foreign minister is set to meet with the IAEA to address increasing threats to Iran’s nuclear facilities.

Iran’s foreign ministry announced on Monday that a letter from U.S. President Donald Trump, in which he advocates for a nuclear deal, reflects his previous public statements. Spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei remarked, “The content of the letter is not far removed from Trump’s public statements and repeats the same talking points.” Baqaei also noted that Iran’s official response would be forthcoming after a thorough evaluation.

The letter, presented to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei by senior UAE diplomat Anwar Gargash, was received last Wednesday. On that day, Khamenei rejected the notion of engaging in negotiations with the United States, asserting that proposed talks would impose stricter sanctions rather than alleviate them. Trump’s reinstatement of his “maximum pressure” sanctions policy aims to thwart Iran’s potential development of nuclear weapons, a claim Iran consistently denies.

In a related development, Iran’s deputy foreign minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, is scheduled to meet with Rafael Grossi, chief of the U.N. nuclear watchdog, at its headquarters in Vienna. This meeting is part of Iran’s ongoing collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Baqaei emphasized the increased necessity for consultations with the IAEA, stating, “As threats against Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities have increased, it is natural for us to intensify consultations with the IAEA.”

In summary, Iran acknowledges that President Trump’s letter resonates with his previous public declarations regarding a potential nuclear deal. Despite this, Iranian leadership, particularly Khamenei, remains resolute against negotiations with the U.S., framing them as a means to tighten sanctions. Concurrently, Iran continues its engagements with the IAEA amid escalating concerns regarding its nuclear program.

Original Source: www.hurriyetdailynews.com