President Donald Trump stated that he sent a letter to Iran’s leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to negotiate a deal. Trump also did not shy away from threatening Iran with military intervention. In response to Trump, Iran stated, “No negotiations until the maximum pressure policy is lifted.”

Speaking to Fox Business Network, Trump mentioned sending a letter to Iran’s leader Khamenei yesterday, emphasizing his preference for making a deal regarding Iran’s nuclear program. Trump said, “I wrote them a letter saying, ‘I hope you negotiate because if we have to come in militarily, it will be a horrible thing’.” Stating his preference for negotiating a deal, Trump remarked, “I’m not sure everyone agrees with me, but even if you win militarily, we can make an equally good deal.”

“BUT IT WILL BE UGLY FOR THEM IF IRAN DOESN’T NEGOTIATE” Trump added, “But the time is coming now. Something will happen one way or another. If Iran doesn’t negotiate, it will be very ugly for them. The other alternative is that we need to do something because you can’t let them have nuclear weapons. There are other options.” The White House confirmed that Trump sent a letter for nuclear deal negotiations, mentioning that the full interview conducted yesterday will be aired on Sunday. Last month, President Trump emphasized that Iran should not have nuclear weapons and expressed his preference for a nuclear deal that would allow Iran to grow and develop.

RESPONSE FROM IRAN TO TRUMP

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran will not engage in direct negotiations as long as the US continues its “maximum pressure” policy and threats. Araghchi clarified, “But it doesn’t mean we won’t negotiate with other parties regarding our nuclear program. We are in talks with France, Germany, and the UK, as well as negotiating with Russia and China.” A statement from Iran’s mission to the United Nations also confirmed that Tehran has not received such a letter thus far. The method through which Trump’s letter was delivered to Tehran remains unknown. The policy of “maximum pressure” on Iran is being reactivated in the Trump administration, as Trump signed an executive order reinstating this policy, indicating that he is not pleased with the decision but feels the necessity to be tough on Iran. Trump strongly advocated that Iran should never possess nuclear weapons during his presidency and stated that they will see if an agreement with Iran is possible, but he will do whatever is necessary.