US President Donald Trump has revealed that he has initiated secret nuclear deal negotiations with Iran.
Trump made the disclosure on Fox Business on Friday, March 7, stating that he sent a letter to Iran and its leadership the previous day, hoping to begin talks and reach a deal.
“I said I hope you’re going to negotiate, because it’s going to be a lot better for Iran,” Trump shared. “I think they want to get that letter. The other alternative is we have to do something because you can’t let another nuclear weapon.”
The letter was addressed to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has not yet publicly responded.
“There are two ways Iran can be handled: militarily, or you make a deal,” Trump continued. “I would prefer to make a deal, because I’m not looking to hurt Iran. They’re great people.”
Trump withdrew the US from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018 during his first term in office.
Last month, Khamenei stated that reopening nuclear talks with the US would not be “smart.”
This comment came after President Trump threatened to “obliterate” Iran, while also saying he’d “love to make a deal.”
On Tuesday, Trump signed an executive order that outlined a “maximum pressure” campaign against Tehran.
During that signing, Trump also warned that if Iran carried out the assassination threats against him—following his order to kill Quds force leader Qasem Soleimani—there would be severe retribution.
“If they did that, they would be obliterated,” Trump said. “I have left instructions. If they do it, they get obliterated, there won’t be anything left.”
Trump also mentioned feeling “torn” about signing the order, expressing his desire to make a deal with Iran to prevent the country from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Khamenei, in response, pointed to Trump as the reason the nuclear deal with the US fell apart.
“The person in charge tore it up,” Khamenei said, advising Iranians not to engage in negotiations with the US. “Negotiating with America is neither smart, wise, or honorable. It will not solve any of our problems. The reason? Experience!”
Khamenei also rejected Trump’s proposal for the US to take control of Gaza, a plan Trump discussed with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his visit to the White House.
“On paper, Americans are changing the world map,” Khamenei remarked. “Of course, it’s only on paper because it’s devoid of reality.”
