Iran Rejects Direct Talks With US Amid Nuclear Tensions

President Donald Trump announced that the United States would engage in direct talks with Iran regarding its nuclear program. Trump emphasized the gravity of the situation, warning that if the negotiations fail, Iran would face severe consequences. He stated, "Iran is going to be in great danger, and I hate to say it. If the talks aren’t successful, I think it’s going to be a very bad day for Iran." This announcement came after a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been a vocal advocate for a tough stance against Iran's nuclear ambitions.

However, Iran swiftly rejected the notion of direct talks with the United States. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi clarified that any discussions would be indirect and mediated through a third party. He stated on the social platform X, "Iran and the United States will meet in Oman on Saturday for indirect high-level talks. It is as much an opportunity as it is a test. The ball is in America’s court." This stance aligns with previous statements from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who had indicated that Iran would consider indirect negotiations but ruled out direct engagement with the U.S.

Trump's push for direct talks follows a letter he sent to Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, urging direct negotiations. The U.S. President has consistently called for Iran to abandon its nuclear program, threatening military action if diplomacy fails. "If they don’t make a deal, there will be bombing," Trump told NBC News in late March. "It will be bombing the likes of which they have never seen before."

The talks are set to take place at a high level, although the exact location and participants have not been disclosed. Oman, which has historically served as a mediator in U.S.-Iran negotiations, is speculated to be the host. Trump's announcement came as part of a broader discussion with Netanyahu, who supports Trump's diplomatic efforts but has also advocated for military pressure on Iran.

Netanyahu, known for his hawkish views on Iran, expressed support for a diplomatic agreement similar to Libya's 2003 deal, where Libya's dictator Moammar Gadhafi relinquished his nuclear program. However, Iran has maintained that its nuclear program, acknowledged by the International Atomic Energy Agency, should continue.

The upcoming talks represent a significant development in the long-standing tensions between the U.S. and Iran. Trump's administration has taken a hardline approach, withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear accord negotiated by the Obama administration. The outcome of these negotiations will be crucial in determining the future of the region and the global nuclear non-proliferation efforts.