Iran acknowledged a letter from President Trump that reflects his public statements about a nuclear deal. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei noted that negotiations were unlikely to ease sanctions, a view supported by Ayatollah Khamenei. Meanwhile, Iran’s deputy foreign minister is engaging with the IAEA amidst rising threats to its nuclear facilities.
On Monday, Iranian officials stated that a letter from U.S. President Donald Trump closely mirrored his previous public statements regarding a potential nuclear agreement with Iran. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei commented during a press conference, noting, “The content of the letter is not far removed from Trump’s public statements and repeats the same talking points.” Baqaei emphasized that Iran’s response would be communicated through the proper channels after thorough assessment.
The letter, addressed to Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was delivered by senior UAE diplomat Anwar Gargash last Wednesday. However, Khamenei dismissed the prospect of negotiations with the United States, asserting that such talks would not alleviate sanctions, but rather tighten them further. Trump has resumed his “maximum pressure” sanction policies aimed at preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, a claim that Iran firmly denies.
Additionally, Iran’s deputy foreign minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, is scheduled to meet with Rafael Grossi, the chief of the UN nuclear watchdog, at its headquarters in Vienna. Baqaei explained that this meeting forms part of Iran’s continuous engagement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This gathering follows Gharibabadi’s recent discussions with his Russian and Chinese counterparts in Beijing, highlighting Iran’s determination to enhance its dialogue with the IAEA amidst increased threats against its nuclear facilities.
In conclusion, Iran has indicated that a letter from U.S. President Trump aligns with his public positions regarding a nuclear deal. While the Iranian leadership remains resistant to direct negotiations, they continue to engage with international bodies such as the IAEA to address nuclear safety concerns. The ongoing geopolitical dynamics reflect heightened tensions amidst efforts to reach understanding over nuclear capabilities.
Original Source: www.hurriyetdailynews.com
