WASHINGTON, March 10 (Alliance News): Iran signaled on Sunday that it may consider nuclear negotiations with the United States, but only on concerns regarding the potential militarization of its program—not its complete dismantlement.
The statement, posted by Iran’s UN mission on X, came a day after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected what he called US “bullying” tactics following President Donald Trump’s threats of military action.
“If the objective of negotiations is to address concerns vis-a-vis any potential militarization of Iran’s nuclear program, such discussions may be subject to consideration,” the Iranian mission stated. However, it firmly ruled out any talks aimed at dismantling its nuclear program, saying, “Such negotiations will never take place.”
The post referenced the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a deal struck under former US President Barack Obama that eased sanctions on Iran in exchange for nuclear limits. Trump withdrew from the accord in 2018, reimposing sweeping sanctions, leading Iran to significantly ramp up uranium enrichment beyond JCPOA limits.
US officials now estimate that Iran could produce a nuclear weapon within weeks if it chose to do so. On Friday, Trump claimed to have sent a letter to Khamenei urging fresh talks, warning of military action if Iran refuses. However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said no such letter had been received.
Khamenei, addressing officials on Saturday, accused the US of using negotiations as a tool for domination rather than a means of resolving issues. Meanwhile, Tehran continues diplomatic engagement with Britain, France, and Germany in hopes of addressing nuclear concerns.
