Iran Responds to Trump’s Letter, Affirms Consistent Rhetoric on Nuclear Deal
Iran indicated that a letter from President Trump reflects his public statements regarding a nuclear deal. The response will be formalized once assessments are concluded. Meanwhile, Iran’s supreme leader dismissed negotiations, asserting they would not alleviate sanctions. Ongoing consultations with the IAEA continue in light of increased threats to Iran’s nuclear facilities.
On Monday, Iran announced that a letter received from U.S. President Donald Trump, who advocates for a nuclear deal, reflects his public rhetoric. Esmaeil Baqaei, the foreign ministry spokesman, stated that the letter’s content is similar to Trump’s established communications. He confirmed that Iran’s official response will be delivered through the appropriate channels following a thorough assessment.
The letter, which Trump indicated was directed to Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was delivered to Tehran last Wednesday by senior United Arab Emirates diplomat Anwar Gargash. Concurrently, Khamenei dismissed the notion of negotiations with the United States, asserting that proposed talks would not ease sanctions but exacerbate them.
Since securing a second term in January, Trump has reestablished his rigid “maximum pressure” sanctions policy against Iran, akin to his previous term. This U.S. strategy aims to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, which Iran has consistently denied seeking.
Furthermore, Iran’s deputy foreign minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, is scheduled to meet with Rafael Grossi, the chief of the U.N. nuclear watchdog, at its headquarters in Vienna. This engagement, as Baqaei noted, is part of ongoing discussions with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The Vienna meeting follows Gharibabadi’s prior discussions with his Russian and Chinese counterparts in Beijing. Baqaei also remarked that escalating threats against Iran’s nuclear facilities warrant an increase in consultations with the IAEA.
In summary, Iran’s response to President Trump’s letter indicates a continuity of rhetoric and positions from both sides, especially regarding negotiations and sanctions. Despite calls for dialogue, Iran’s leadership remains resistant to engagement, emphasizing that sanctions would only intensify. Concurrently, Iran’s leadership is actively engaging with international nuclear regulatory bodies amid heightened concerns over its nuclear program.
Original Source: www.hurriyetdailynews.com
