US President Donald Trump recently disclosed that he had communicated directly with Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, through a letter, in an effort to diplomatically resolve the ongoing dispute over Iran’s nuclear programme. Trump expressed his preference for reaching a peaceful agreement rather than pursuing a military solution to the sensitive nuclear issue between Washington and Tehran.
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded clearly to President Trump’s overture, emphasising Tehran’s position through social media. Araghchi stated:
“[…] Negotiation is different from bullying and issuing diktats.”
Araghchi further elaborated that Iran is actively engaging in diplomatic discussions with several global powers, specifically the United Kingdom, Germany, France, China, and Russia. These talks are aimed at building confidence in Iran’s nuclear activities and securing the removal of sanctions that Tehran considers unlawfully imposed. Iran’s dialogue with these nations underlines its commitment to diplomatic channels as a primary route to resolving international concerns.
Amid international scrutiny and persistent worries regarding possible militarisation of the Iranian nuclear programme, Araghchi reiterated Tehran’s longstanding position. He firmly asserted that the nuclear programme of the Islamic Republic has always been, and will continue to be, strictly peaceful. Tehran maintains its stance that its nuclear objectives are purely civil, rejecting accusations or suspicions of military ambitions.
Reflecting on the historical interactions between the United States and Iran, Araghchi added that America had always gained respect from Iran when it approached Tehran with mutual regard and respect. Conversely, whenever the United States adopted a confrontational or threatening posture, relations inevitably deteriorated, causing diplomatic tensions to rise.
In this context, Trump’s initiative appears to open a potential pathway towards renewed dialogue, despite previous setbacks and mutual mistrust. As the international community closely observes, the emphasis from both sides currently points towards dialogue over confrontation, though significant differences clearly persist.
