Trump Reaches Out to Khamenei Proposing Negotiations
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Synopsis
In a recent interview, President Trump revealed he wrote to Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei, inviting him to negotiate. While details were sparse, this marks a significant step towards potential discussions amidst rising tensions.
Key Takeaways
- Trump has invited Khamenei to negotiate.
- He emphasized the urgency for a deal.
- A military option remains on the table.
- Trump has reinstated a policy of maximum pressure on Iran.
- Khamenei is skeptical of direct talks with the Trump administration.
Washington, March 7 (NationPress) US President Donald Trump has revealed that he sent a letter to Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei, extending an invitation to negotiate a deal. Further details were not disclosed.
Trump shared the details of this communication during an interview, with a brief clip from the conversation made public on Friday.
In response to a query regarding a Russian offer to mediate discussions with Iran, he stated that the time for a deal with Iran “is coming up.”
“Something is going to happen one way or the other,” he added.
“I hope that Iran, and I've written him a letter saying, I hope you're going to negotiate, because if we have to go in militarily, it's going to be a terrible thing for them.”
He further indicated a military approach by saying, “The other alternative is we have to do something because you can't let them have a nuclear weapon.”
Trump previously stated that there are only two methods for addressing Iran — through military action or by reaching a deal.
On February 4, President Trump reinstated his 2020 strategy of “maximum pressure” on Iran, aimed at “denying all paths to a nuclear weapon, and countering Iran’s malign influence abroad.”
Nevertheless, he has also expressed a willingness to engage in discussions. The letter to Khamenei represents the first tangible move in that direction.
As of now, there has been no response from Iran. However, Khamenei recently expressed skepticism towards direct negotiations with the Trump administration, citing a lack of trust. President Masoud Pezeshkian has indicated a willingness for direct talks.
“They have intensified all the sanctions and now they are saying that let's talk to each other,” he remarked.
“First prove that you are open to dialogue and then we can talk to each other.” Ultimately, Iran will follow the decision made by the supreme leader.
