'Not to negotiate directly': Iran responds to Trump's nuclear talks proposal

Iran on Thursday responded to US President Donald Trump who called for renewed nuclear negotiations and cautioned of potential military action if Tehran decline.

Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi announced that the response was conveyed through Oman, a nation which has historically mediated between the two countries.

"This official response includes a letter in which our position regarding the current situation and Mr Trump's letter has been fully explained to the other party," Araghchi told the official IRNA news agency.

While the details of Iran's reply remain undisclosed, Araghchi emphasised that Tehran maintained its stance against direct negotiations under the current US "maximum pressure" campaign and the looming threat of military action.

“Our policy remains not to negotiate directly (with Washington) under 'maximum pressure' and the threat of military action, but indirect negotiations, such as those that took place in the past, can continue," he said, quoted by The New Arab.

This exchange followed President Trump's revelation earlier this month that he had sent a letter to Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, proposing new nuclear talks.

The letter, delivered by Emirati diplomat Anwar Gargash during his visit to Tehran on March 12, 2025, set a two-month deadline for reaching an agreement and hinted at "other ways to resolve" the dispute if diplomacy failed, AP reported.

Despite the US withdrawal from the 2015 joint comprehensive plan of action (JCPOA) in 2018 and the subsequent re-imposition of sanctions, Iran initially adhered to the agreement's terms. However, following the US exit, Tehran began to roll back its commitments, leading to increased tensions between the two nations.

Kamal Kharrazi, an adviser to Ayatollah Khamenei, had earlier indicated that Iran is open to resolving disputes with the United States through indirect negotiations, Reuters reported. He said that Iran is willing to evaluate its conditions and make appropriate decisions through indirect dialogue.