Iran has indicated a willingness to engage in discussions regarding its nuclear program with the United States, provided that the focus is solely on military concerns. This statement follows a day after the country's supreme leader appeared to dismiss an overture from President Trump for talks.
According to a social media post from Iran’s mission to the United Nations, “If the objective of negotiations is to address concerns vis-Ã -vis any potential militarization of Iran’s nuclear program, such discussions may be subject to consideration.”
It remains uncertain whether these comments signify a change in policy, especially after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, expressed anger over Mr. Trump’s proposal to resume discussions. In a post on Saturday, Mr. Khamenei criticized “bullying governments” that attempt to impose restrictions on Iran, without directly mentioning Mr. Trump or his offer. The president had cautioned that Tehran must choose between limiting its nuclear program or facing the risk of a military attack.
Experts suggest that Iran is nearing the capability to enrich sufficient uranium to produce a nuclear weapon, although the Islamic Republic maintains that its nuclear program is intended for peaceful purposes.
Iran’s U.N. mission emphasized that “negotiations will never take place” if the goal is to dismantle Tehran’s “peaceful nuclear program.”
The seemingly contradictory statements may indicate a division among Iranian officials regarding the prospect of re-entering negotiations, particularly after Mr. Trump withdrew the United States from the nuclear deal established by his predecessor, Barack Obama.
Some moderate and reformist Iranian leaders, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, have expressed a desire to initiate discussions. However, Mr. Khamenei holds the ultimate authority and has stated that Iran cannot place its trust in the United States.
Mr. Trump’s proposal comes at a time when the strategic landscape for Iran has significantly worsened. Israel has notably weakened Tehran’s regional allies, Hezbollah and Hamas, and has destroyed nearly all air defenses protecting Iran’s nuclear sites. Additionally, a rebel coalition recently overthrew Syria’s former authoritarian leader, Bashar al-Assad, who was an ally of Tehran.
Some senior Israeli officials have argued that there may never be a more opportune moment to target Iran’s major nuclear facilities.