Trump Seeks Nuclear Deal with Iran, Sends Letter Amidst Tensions
President Donald Trump has indicated a desire to negotiate a new nuclear agreement with Iran, revealing that he sent a letter to the Iranian leadership this week proposing discussions. This overture comes amidst growing Western concerns regarding Iran’s rapidly advancing nuclear capabilities.
In an interview with Fox Business Network, Trump expressed his hope for negotiations, suggesting they would be beneficial for Iran. "I said I hope you’re going to negotiate, because it’s going to be a lot better for Iran," Trump stated. "I think they want to get that letter. The other alternative is we have to do something, because you can’t let another nuclear weapon."
As of Friday, Iran’s mission to the United Nations in New York reported that they had not yet received the letter. There was no immediate response from the Iranian foreign ministry, as the request for comment arrived during the weekend in Iran.
Nour News, a media outlet affiliated with Iran’s top security body, dismissed Trump’s letter as a "repetitive show" by Washington.
When asked specifically whether he had sent the letter to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Trump confirmed, "Yes." He outlined the two potential approaches to handling Iran, stating, "There are two ways Iran can be handled: militarily, or you make a deal. I would prefer to make a deal, because I’m not looking to hurt Iran. They’re great people."
The interview, conducted on Thursday, saw Trump state that he sent the letter "yesterday," which would indicate Wednesday.
Western officials have consistently expressed concerns that a nuclear-armed Iran could pose a significant threat to Israel, Gulf Arab oil producers, and potentially trigger a regional arms race. Iran has consistently denied seeking nuclear weapons.
Trump’s pursuit of a new deal marks another shift in U.S. foreign policy under his administration. He has previously adopted a more conciliatory stance towards Russia, which has caused unease among Western allies as he seeks to broker an end to the conflict in Ukraine.
In 2018, Trump withdrew the United States from the Iran nuclear deal, a multinational agreement designed to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. This action came a year into his first White House term.
Last month, Trump reinstated his "maximum pressure" campaign on Iran, aiming to drive its oil exports down to zero. Despite these actions, he has also voiced his desire to strike a deal with Tehran.
The reception of Trump’s overture to Iran by U.S. ally Israel remains uncertain. Israel and Iran have engaged in military strikes against each other in the past, notably in April and October. The Israeli prime minister’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding Trump’s letter.
Russia has offered to mediate between the United States and Iran, according to a source briefed on discussions. The Kremlin has pledged to do everything possible to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear program.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov discussed international efforts to resolve the situation surrounding Iran’s nuclear program with Iranian ambassador Kazem Jalali.
Reports indicate that senior Russian missile specialists have visited Iran over the past year. These visits suggest a deepening of defense cooperation between the two nations.
Following the U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear agreement in 2018, Iran began to step away from its nuclear-related commitments under the 2015 deal. This deal, agreed upon by Iran and key world powers, involved the lifting of sanctions on Iran in exchange for restrictions on its nuclear program.
After assuming office, Trump directed his U.N. ambassador to collaborate with allies to "complete the snapback of international sanctions and restrictions on Iran." Britain, France, and Germany informed the United Nations Security Council in December that they were prepared, if necessary, to trigger the restoration of all international sanctions to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
Communication between U.S. presidents and Iranian leaders is not unprecedented. However, under Iranian law, the supreme leader holds the ultimate authority on key state matters, including foreign policy and the nuclear program.
During his presidency, Barack Obama also sought direct engagement with Iran. In 2009, Obama offered Khamenei direct engagement, contingent upon Iran demonstrating a genuine commitment to addressing concerns regarding its nuclear program. Obama wrote directly to Khamenei twice, in 2009 and 2012.
Iranian officials acknowledged in 2014 that Tehran had responded to previous letters from Obama, though the specific individual who responded was not identified. Iran confirmed in 2013 that President Hassan Rouhani had exchanged letters with Obama, marking a rare instance of communication between the leaders of the two nations.
The United States and Iran severed diplomatic relations in 1980, following the storming of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran by students and Islamic militants, who subsequently took American diplomats hostage.
The full Trump interview is scheduled to air over the weekend on Fox News "Sunday Morning Futures". The interview will likely provide further insights into the President’s strategy and goals regarding Iran and its nuclear program.
