Trump's nuclear overture: Iran denies receiving negotiation letter
Iran has not yet received a letter from the U.S. proposing negotiations regarding its nuclear program, as reported by Iran's representation at the UN. Previously, the Iranian news agency associated with the Supreme National Security Council expressed skepticism about President Donald Trump’s proposal.
According to the Reuters agency, the Iranian news agency Nour News, linked to the Supreme National Security Council, commented on the American proposal as "repetitive show" and fitting into the pattern of behaviour characteristic of Trump.
"Trump's pattern in foreign policy: slogans, threats, temporary actions, and retreat!" wrote the agency on social media.
In a Friday interview with Fox News, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that on Wednesday he sent a letter to the authorities of Iran in which he expressed hope for starting negotiations on the Iranian nuclear program. The letter was addressed to Iran's highest spiritual and political leader, Ali Khamenei.
"Maximum pressure" policy
The U.S. Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, announced that Washington would continue the policy of "maximum pressure" on Tehran. The goal is to collapse Iranian oil exports and weaken the Iranian currency. Since the beginning of his presidency, Trump has signaled a tightening approach towards Iran while publicly expressing a willingness to negotiate.
The U.S. has long suspected that Iran’s nuclear program also has a military dimension. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated that the U.S. and Iran should start a dialogue. According to the IAEA, Iran's stockpile of fissile materials has recently increased by more than 50 percent, which is enough to produce six atomic bombs.
