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US-Iran Tensions Escalate Over Nuclear Deal Deadline
Heightened tensions between the US and Iran have escalated after then-President Donald Trump gave Tehran a two-month ultimatum to agree to a revised nuclear accord or face significant consequences. The US leader dispatched a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, outlining the timeframe, though the exact start of this period remains uncertain. Sources briefed on the letter, speaking to Axios, indicated that should Tehran reject the proposition and decline negotiations, military action against Iranian nuclear sites by the US or Israel could intensify.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Dismisses US Warnings
Ayatollah Khamenei, in his annual Nowruz address marking the Persian New Year, asserted that US threats “will get them nowhere.” He further stated, “Americans should recognize that threats are ineffectual when directed at Iran. [Americans] and others must understand that any malicious actions against the Iranian nation will be met with a forceful retaliation.”
Trump’s Public Statements on Negotiations
The former president publicly disclosed the letter during a Fox News interview, stating his preference “to negotiate a deal” but cautioning that “time is running out.”
He elaborated, “Time is indeed running out. Something will transpire, one way or another. I hope that Iran – and I have conveyed in my letter, urging them to negotiate – because military intervention would be exceedingly detrimental for them.”
“We cannot allow them to possess a nuclear weapon. Events are imminent. While a peaceful resolution is my preferred course, the alternative, although undesirable, will resolve the issue.”
Expert Analysis on Diplomatic Approaches
Criticism of Trump’s Strategy
Negar Mortazavi, a senior fellow at the Center for International Policy and host of “The Iran Podcast,” critiqued Mr. Trump’s approach, stressing the need for mutual compromise between both nations to de-escalate US-Iran relations.
In an interview with Newsweek, Mortazavi commented, “The current trajectory of US and Iran relations is leading towards potential conflict, but it is not inevitable. Both sides appear to express an inclination towards diplomatic engagement.”
“President Trump has demonstrated interest in negotiations, and the Iranians have reciprocated this interest. However, Trump’s ‘maximum pressure’ policy, aimed at achieving peace through strength, is unlikely to be effective with Tehran.”
“Iran demonstrated during Trump’s first term that ‘maximum pressure’ results in maximum resistance from Iran. Both sides need to refine their strategies and seek common ground to find a diplomatic solution.”
Iranian Official’s Response to Letter
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the letter as “more of a threat” than a genuine request, but he acknowledged its inherent potential for dialogue. He indicated that Tehran was considering its response and would communicate it in the coming days regarding the proposed negotiations and the future of the nuclear program.