Iran Rejects Direct Talks with U.S. in Response to Trump’s Letter

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announced on Sunday that Iran has rejected direct negotiations with the United States over its nuclear program, marking the country’s first official response to a letter from U.S. President Donald Trump.

Speaking on state television, Pezeshkian stated that while Iran remains open to indirect dialogue through mediators such as Oman, direct engagement with Washington is off the table. The decision comes as tensions remain high following Trump’s unilateral withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal during his first term, which led to escalating hostilities in the region.

“We do not oppose talks, but broken promises have created obstacles for us,” Pezeshkian said. “Trust must be restored before any meaningful engagement can take place.”

The White House has not yet commented on Iran’s rejection of direct negotiations. However, the U.S. has consistently maintained that it will prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Concerns over Iran’s nuclear program have intensified after a recent report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) revealed that Tehran has increased its enrichment of uranium to near-weapons-grade levels. While Iran insists its nuclear ambitions are purely peaceful, Western powers fear the country is edging closer to developing nuclear weapons.

The diplomatic standoff unfolds against a backdrop of broader regional instability, including the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and U.S. military strikes on Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. With the risk of military confrontation looming, both Washington and Tehran remain at a critical juncture in their long-standing geopolitical struggle.