Mon Mar 31 10:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Iran Rejects Direct US Nuclear Talks, Offers Indirect Dialogue
**Tehran, Iran** – Iran has rejected a direct offer of nuclear negotiations from US President Donald Trump, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announced Sunday. The rejection, delivered through Oman, does however leave the door open to indirect talks with Washington. This follows a letter from Trump to Iran’s supreme leader.
The announcement comes amid heightened regional tensions, including the recent Israel-Hamas war and ongoing US airstrikes targeting Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. Concerns are growing that these escalating conflicts could lead to military action against Iran’s nuclear program, which has recently seen a significant acceleration in the production of near-weapons-grade uranium.
President Pezeshkian stated that Iran’s refusal stems from a lack of trust in the US following the 2018 withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal. He emphasized that Iran is not opposed to dialogue but demands demonstrable proof of US trustworthiness before engaging in negotiations. The White House has yet to respond to Iran’s statement.
Both the US and Israel have repeatedly vowed to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, increasing the risk of military confrontation. Iran maintains its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, despite its enrichment activities reaching levels only seen in countries possessing atomic weapons. The UN’s nuclear watchdog confirmed in February that Iran has accelerated its production of near-weapons-grade uranium. The situation remains highly volatile.
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