US President Donald Trump is reaching out to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in hopes of starting talks on a new nuclear deal. This move is seen as an effort to avoid military conflict, according to US special envoy Steve Witkoff. He emphasized that the US is open to dialogue and diplomacy, stating, “We don’t need to solve everything militarily.” Witkoff added that if talks don’t succeed, the alternatives could be dire.
Trump’s outreach comes after he sent a letter to Iranian leaders on March 7, urging them to discuss their nuclear activities. He also warned that military action could follow if they refuse to engage. Khamenei responded negatively, calling the US a “bully” and rejecting any negotiations under pressure.
The situation has escalated with tensions surrounding Iran’s support for the Houthis in Yemen, who have been launching attacks against Israel. Trump has made it clear that the US holds Iran responsible for these actions, despite Iran’s claims that the Houthis operate independently.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, stated that talks with the US are impossible unless the US changes its strategy of pressure. He described Trump’s letter as more of a threat than an invitation for dialogue, suggesting that Iran would respond soon.
Trust in US negotiations is low in Iran, especially after Trump withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018. This agreement, made with world powers in 2015, aimed to limit Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for relief from sanctions. Since the US exit, Iran has increased its uranium enrichment, now reaching up to 60 percent purity, which is a significant step towards weapons-grade material.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reports that Iran has enough fissile material for several bombs, though it has not actively pursued building one. Meanwhile, Trump has maintained a “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran, insisting that Iran must completely eliminate its nuclear program, including all uranium enrichment.
This tough stance has led some voices in Iran to call for a change in the country’s long-standing policy against pursuing nuclear weapons. The current situation remains tense, with both sides holding firm in their positions.