Iran Still Considers Opportunities And Threats Related To Trump's Letter Urges Nuclear Negotiations

JAKARTA - Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stressed Iran would consider "the opportunity" as well as threats in a letter from US President Donald Trump urging new nuclear negotiations.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected Trump's letter last week by calling it a fraudulent letter. Khamenei said Trump's excessive demands would "enhanced ties of sanctions and increase pressure on Iran".

But Araqchi said Tehran was still reviewing the letter and was considering the reply.

"Trump's letter is more of a threat, but the letter claims to have a chance. We pay attention to all the points contained in the letter and will consider threats and opportunities in our response," Araqchi said.

"There is an opportunity behind every threat," he said.

On Wednesday, Axios reported Trump's letter giving Iran a two-month deadline to reach a nuclear deal or face stricter sanctions under the US President's updated "maximum pressure" campaign.

Araqchi said Tehran would respond to Trump's letter in the coming days through the appropriate channels, rejecting all direct negotiations as long as Washington provides "pressure, threats, and sanctions".

In his first term of office, Trump withdrew the US from a 2015 deal between Iran and major countries that had imposed strict limits on Tehran's nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief.

After Trump withdrew in 2018 and reimposed sanctions, Iran violated and went far beyond these limits in the development of its nuclear program.

Western countries accuse Iran of seeking nuclear weapons by enriching uranium to 60% purity, above what they say can be justified for civilian programs.

Tehran says its nuclear program development is for peaceful purposes and respects its commitments under international law.