Iran says open to indirect nuclear talks with US

Iran said Monday it is open to indirect talks with the United States after President Donald Trump called for negotiations on a new nuclear deal.

"The way is open for indirect negotiations," Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said. He ruled out direct talks, saying Tehran would not engage unless Washington changes its "approach towards the Islamic republic."

Araghchi insisted Iran would not negotiate under threats or while Trump maintains his "maximum pressure" policy. That strategy led Trump to withdraw from the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018 and reimpose harsh sanctions on Tehran.

The agreement had required Iran to curb its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. Western nations, including the U.S., have long accused Iran of seeking nuclear weapons, a charge Tehran denies.

On March 7, Trump sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, urging nuclear talks and warning of possible military action if Tehran refused. The letter was delivered on March 12 by UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash, Iran’s Fars news agency reported.

Khamenei dismissed the threats, saying they "will get them nowhere" and warning of reciprocal measures "if they do anything malign" against Iran.

Araghchi described Trump's letter as "more of a threat" but acknowledged it could present opportunities. Tehran is expected to respond soon.

U.S. Middle East envoy Steven Witkoff told reporters Friday that Trump seeks to avoid military conflict and build trust with Iran. He insisted the letter was not meant as a threat.

Tehran and Washington cut diplomatic ties after Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution, which ousted the Western-backed Shah. Since then, the Swiss embassy in Tehran has served as a key channel for communications between the two nations.

Gulf state Oman has previously mediated indirect talks on Iran’s nuclear issue through the so-called "Muscat process." Araghchi said in October that those talks were "halted for the time being."