Trump sends letter to Iran’s Khamenei seeking nuclear deal
Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei (L) speaks after casting his ballot during the runoff presidential election in Tehran on July 5, 2024, and US President Donald Trump (R) waves at supporters at the end of a campaign rally at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on November 4, 2024. (AFP Photo)
U.S. President Donald Trump has sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in an effort to negotiate an agreement regarding Iran’s nuclear program, the president confirmed Thursday.
In an interview with Fox Business Network, Trump revealed he had dispatched the letter to Khamenei yesterday, emphasizing his preference for reaching a nuclear agreement with Iran.
“If Iran doesn’t negotiate, it will be very ugly for them,” Trump warned. “Iran cannot have nuclear weapons. There are other options available.”
The diplomatic overture comes as Trump simultaneously revives his “maximum pressure” policy toward Iran. Last month, the president signed an executive order reinstating this approach during a White House ceremony, though he acknowledged being unhappy about the decision but felt compelled to “be tough on Iran.”
During that same period, Trump stated that Iran should not possess nuclear weapons and expressed his preference for a nuclear agreement that would allow Iran to “grow and develop.”
“We need to begin working on an agreement immediately,” Trump stressed last month. “When the agreement is signed and completed, we should have a great celebration in the Middle East. May God protect the Middle East.”
During his previous term in office, Trump maintained that Iran would never acquire nuclear weapons under his watch. He has consistently stated he would see if an agreement with Iran was possible, but would “do whatever is necessary” regarding the situation.
