Iran says it never Got Trump letter on nuclear negotiations

Iran never got a letter that U.S. President Donald Trump said he had sent proposing negotiations, according to Iranian officials.

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei addressed the issue during his weekly press conference on Monday, stating, “We did not receive a letter.”

Newsweek has reached out the White House for comment via email.

Why It Matters

The dispute over the letter comes at a time of escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran. Since returning to office, Trump has reimposed his “maximum pressure” campaign, seeking to bring Tehran into renegotiating the terms of its nuclear program.

His administration has tightened economic sanctions, aiming to cripple Iran’s economy and push its leaders to the negotiating table. However, Iranian officials have maintained their position, stating they will not engage in negotiations under pressure.

What Did Trump Say About the Letter?

Last week, Trump said he had sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, urging Iran to reopen negotiations. “I said I hope you’re going to negotiate, because it’s going to be a lot better for Iran,” he said, before warning Tehran of potential military action.

Iranian FM Hits Back

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, told reporters on Saturday that Iran had not received any such communication from Washington. During the exchange, a reporter asked Araghchi about the letter, stating, “It is said that a letter is on its way.” Araghchi responded, “We have heard the same, (but) we haven’t got anything yet.” When pressed again on whether Iran had received the letter, he added, “It hasn’t arrived yet.”

Meanwhile, Ayatollah Khamenei reinforced his stance, arguing that calls for dialogue from “bullying” nations were not intended to resolve disputes but to impose demands on Iran.

Nuclear Deal Fallout

The latest developments take place against the backdrop of ongoing tensions following President Trump’s 2018 withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal, officially know as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Trump’s decision to exit the international agreement, which had eased sanctions in exchange for Iran limiting its nuclear activities, resulted in the reimposition of strict U.S. sanctions.

Although Iran initially adhered to the deal for over a year after the U.S. withdrawal, it gradually scaled back its commitments, arguing that the remaining signatories had failed to uphold their obligations and safeguard Iran’s economic interests.

What People Are Saying

Afshin Molavi, Senior Fellow, Foreign Policy Institute, told Newsweek: “If you view yourself as the ultimate deal maker, then there is no more vexing and challenging a deal than a sustainable Iran nuclear agreement, so this is clearly a priority for President Trump.”

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei: “The American politicians’ policy is bullying. The Islamic Republic has never refused to negotiate. The Islamic Republic of Iran will never accept negotiations under pressure.”

What Happens Next?

As the U.S. maintains its pressure campaign, the potential for further conflict increases. Tehran’s willingness to engage in talks will likely depend on the lifting of sanctions or a shift in the conditions set for dialogue, both of which could influence the trajectory of U.S.-Iran relations.