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Iran will carefully evaluate its response to a letter from US President Donald Trump that calls for nuclear negotiations while warning of potential military action if Tehran refuses, the foreign ministry said on Thursday.
“The letter was received last night and is currently being reviewed,” ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei told IRNA, Iran’s official news agency.
“A decision on how to respond will be made after a thorough assessment.”
Trump said the letter, delivered by UAE diplomat Anwar Gargash, was addressed to Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
However, it remains unclear whether Khamenei personally received it.
On Wednesday, Khamenei dismissed Washington’s overture as an attempt to mislead global opinion.
He argued that the US wanted to appear open to talks while painting Iran as unwilling.
“Negotiations will not lift sanctions but will tighten the knot,” he said.
He also rejected Trump’s warning of potential military action, calling it “unwise.”
While reiterating that Iran does not seek war, he warned, “If someone takes action, our response will be decisive and certain.”
Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has reinstated his “maximum pressure” strategy against Iran, reviving the hardline stance from his first term.
He previously withdrew the US from the 2015 nuclear deal and reimposed severe sanctions.
Despite brief efforts to revive the agreement under Joe Biden, diplomatic progress stalled. Tehran has since ruled out direct negotiations with Washington unless sanctions are lifted.
“Ultimately, the United States should lift the sanctions,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in an interview published on Thursday.
“We will enter direct negotiations when we are on an equal footing, free from pressure and threats, and when the national interests of the people are guaranteed.”
