Iran says it is open to talks with U.S. about militarisation of its nuclear programme
The Hindu
Iran open to U.S. negotiations on nuclear militarization concerns, rejects talks aimed at restricting missile program and regional influence.
Iran said Sunday (March 9, 2025) it would consider negotiations with the United States if the talks were confined to concerns about the militarisation of its nuclear programme.
In a statement posted on X, the country's U.N. mission said: “If the objective of negotiations is to address concerns vis-à-vis any potential militarisation of Iran's nuclear programme, such discussions may be subject to consideration.”
A day earlier, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had rejected talks with the U.S., because he said they would be aimed at imposing restrictions on Iran's missile programme and its influence in the region.
Mr. Khamenei's remarks came a day after President Donald Trump acknowledged sending a letter to him seeking a new deal with Tehran to restrain its rapidly advancing nuclear programme and replace the nuclear deal he withdrew America from during his first term in office.
Mr. Khamenei said U.S. demands would be both military and related to the regional influence of Iran. He said such talks would not solve problems between Iran and the West.
Mr. Trump's overture comes as both Israel and the United States have warned they will never let Iran acquire a nuclear weapon, leading to fears of a military confrontation as Tehran enriches uranium at near weapons-grade levels — something only done by atomic-armed nations.
Tehran has long maintained its programme is for peaceful purposes, even as its officials increasingly threaten to pursue the bomb. Tensions are high with the U.S. over its sanctions and with Israel as a shaky ceasefire holds in its war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
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