President Donald Trump has issued Iran a two-month deadline to agree to a new nuclear deal.
Earlier this month, a letter was sent to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warning of potential consequences should Tehran continue its nuclear program while also extending an offer for renewed negotiations.
The letter, described as firm and uncompromising, made it clear that lengthy discussions would not be tolerated.
Tensions between the U.S. and Iran over nuclear policy have persisted since Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement in 2018.
His administration’s “maximum pressure” campaign has aimed to isolate Iran economically and limit its nuclear ambitions. However, Tehran has maintained its stance that it will not engage with the Trump administration as long as the “maximum pressure” policy remains in effect.
What to Know
Trump’s letter was delivered to Iran through the United Arab Emirates’ Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Anwar Gargash. The message put forth an offer for negotiations on a new nuclear deal but included a strict time limit.
It made clear that the U.S. would not allow prolonged discussions, giving Iran only a narrow window to respond. However, it is still uncertain whether the two-month deadline started upon the letter’s delivery or when formal negotiations begin.
Allies Briefed Beforehand
Before sending the letter, the White House informed key U.S. allies, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, about its contents, according to a U.S. official and another unnamed source.
Donald Trump (Photo: Evelyn Hockstein)
The administration wanted to ensure that regional partners were aware of the diplomatic shift and the conditions attached to it. The move suggested that Washington sought allied support for its strategy, even as the possibility of military action remained on the table.
Trump Acknowledges Sending Letter
In March, Trump confirmed that the letter had been sent, stating that Iran had only two options: negotiation or military action.
He reiterated that Tehran must never be allowed to develop nuclear weapons and emphasized that the U.S. was prepared to take decisive measures if necessary. Iran, however, has consistently claimed that its nuclear program is strictly for peaceful purposes.
An Iranian foreign ministry spokesman stated that Iran would provide an official response to Trump’s letter “after full scrutiny.”
What People Are Saying
U.S. President Donald Trump: “There are two ways Iran can be handled: militarily, or you make a deal… I would prefer to make a deal, because I’m not looking to hurt Iran. They’re great people.”
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson: “So far, we have no reason to publicize (Trump’s) letter… Our response to this letter will be done through appropriate channels after full scrutiny.”
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei: “If they threaten us, we will threaten them in return. If they act on their threats, we will act on ours. If they violate the security of our nation, we will, without a doubt, respond in kind.”
Although Trump has extended an opportunity for diplomacy, his administration continues to enforce its “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran. It remains uncertain whether Tehran will engage under the terms outlined in the letter.
