Iran Rejects Direct Talks with U.S., Open to Indirect Negotiations via Oman

Iran has firmly rejected the proposal for direct negotiations with the United States regarding its nuclear program, as President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that the country remains open to indirect talks. This decision was communicated following a letter from President Donald Trump to Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, in which Trump suggested new negotiations and issued warnings of potential military action if no agreement is reached. Pezeshkian emphasized that trust must be rebuilt, criticizing the U.S. for its past breaches of commitments. The U.S. State Department, in response, reaffirmed Trump's stance that Iran cannot be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon. The letter's delivery was facilitated through Oman, illustrating ongoing diplomatic channels despite the lack of progress in negotiations since the U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear deal in 2018. Iranian officials, while skeptical of U.S. intentions, have not ruled out the possibility of indirect discussions to evaluate terms for future agreements.