Iran Snubs Trump’s Direct Talks, Dares U.S. to Rebuild Trust

Tehran: In a firm response to U.S. President Donald Trump's outreach, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has rejected direct nuclear negotiations but left the door open for indirect talks, emphasizing that Washington must first restore trust after years of broken promises.

"We responded to the U.S. president's letter via Oman and rejected direct talks, but we remain open to indirect negotiations," Pezeshkian said during a televised cabinet session on Sunday. He stressed that Iran has never shied away from dialogue, but the U.S.'s repeated violations of past agreements--including Trump's 2018 withdrawal from the nuclear deal (JCPOA)--have undermined trust.

Trump's Ultimatum & Iran's Defiance

Earlier President Trump warned that he might order military strikes against Iran if Tehran fails to reach an agreement with Washington on its nuclear program.

"If they don't make a deal, there will be bombing," Trump said in an interview with NBC News. However, he added that he could instead impose "secondary tariffs" on Iran if no deal is reached, as he did during his first term in office.

In March, Trump reportedly sent a letter to Iran's Supreme Leader via UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash, calling for renewed nuclear negotiations while setting a two-month deadline and warning of possible military action if Iran did not engage. Ayatollah  Sayyed Khamenei dismissed the overture, calling it a deceptive ploy and warning of reciprocal measures against any hostile U.S. action.

The 2015 JCPOA, brokered under Barack Obama, had curbed Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. However, Trump unilaterally abandoned the deal in 2018, reinstating crippling sanctions as part of his "maximum pressure" strategy. Since then, diplomatic efforts--including indirect talks--have failed to yield results.

Rising Tensions & The Path Forward

While Iran's latest response rules out face-to-face negotiations, Pezeshkian reiterated that channels for indirect diplomacy remain open--with progress hinging on U.S. behavior.

"If they truly want negotiations, they must first prove they can be trusted," Pezeshkian stated.

With Washington intensifying pressure and Tehran holding its ground, the standoff over Iran's nuclear program is set to enter a decisive phase, with global powers closely watching how events unfold.