Trump Says He Sent Letter To Iran Leader To Negotiate Nuclear Deal

By Reuters
Posted on 03/07/25 | News Source: Reuters

U.S. President Donald Trump said he wants to negotiate a nuclear deal with Iran and sent a letter to its leadership this week suggesting talks with the Islamic Republic, which the West fears is rapidly nearing the capability to make atomic weapons.

"I said I hope you're going to negotiate, because it's going to be a lot better for Iran," Trump said in an interview with Fox Business Network broadcast on Friday.

"I think they want to get that letter. The other alternative is we have to do something, because you can't let another nuclear weapon."

Iran has not yet received the letter, Iran's mission to the United Nations in New York said on Friday. There was no immediate response from the foreign ministry in Iran, where it is the weekend, to a request for comment on Trump's remarks.

Iran's Nour News, affiliated with the country's top security body, dismissed Trump's letter as a "repetitive show" by Washington.

Asked whether he had sent the letter to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's fiercely anti-Western Supreme Leader, Trump said, "Yes."

"There are two ways Iran can be handled: militarily, or you make a deal," Trump said. "I would prefer to make a deal, because I'm not looking to hurt Iran. They're great people."

In the interview, conducted on Thursday, Trump said he sent the letter "yesterday", indicating Wednesday.

Western officials fear a nuclear-armed Iran could threaten Israel, Gulf Arab oil producers, and spark a regional arms race.

Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons.