Ayatollah Rejects Trump’s Diplomatic Overtures

Iranian flag overlaid with image of military missiles.

Iran has formally rejected former President Donald Trump’s proposal for direct nuclear talks, branding it as a disguise for global dominance amid escalating tensions between the two nations.

Key Insights

Trump sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader offering two clear options: negotiate a nuclear deal or face potential military action.
Iran responded through Oman, refusing direct negotiations while under “maximum pressure” and military threats.
Ayatollah Khamenei rejected the proposal, calling U.S. negotiation attempts a form of “bullying” aimed at domination rather than problem-solving.
The U.S. maintains that Iran must not develop nuclear weapons, with National Security Adviser Mike Waltz stating “all options are on the table.”
Tensions have remained high since Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal and reimposed sanctions on Iran’s energy sector.

Trump’s Two-Path Proposal to Iran

Former President Donald Trump recently extended a negotiation proposal to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, presenting two distinct paths forward regarding Iran’s nuclear program. The letter, delivered through diplomatic channels, offered Iran a choice between reaching a peace settlement that would address Iran’s economic interests, particularly regarding its oil exports, or facing potential military action. The proposal represents the latest chapter in Trump’s “maximum pressure” strategy, which he reinitiated upon returning to office.

U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff emphasized the administration’s preference for diplomatic resolution while acknowledging military options. “We don’t need to solve everything militarily,” Witkoff stated, while National Security Adviser Mike Waltz reinforced that “all options are on the table” regarding Iran’s nuclear program. The administration’s dual approach signals a willingness to negotiate while maintaining a credible military threat should diplomacy fail.

Iran’s Firm Rejection Through Diplomatic Channels

Iran’s response was swift and unequivocal. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that Iran had formally replied to Trump’s letter through Oman, a longtime mediator between the two countries. The message firmly rejected direct negotiations under current circumstances, with Iran viewing Trump’s approach as coercive rather than constructive. This stance reflects Iran’s consistent position against negotiating while under economic sanctions and military threats.

“Our policy remains not to negotiate directly (with Washington) under ‘maximum pressure’ and the threat of military action, but indirect negotiations, such as those that took place in the past, can continue” said Minister Araghchi.

While rejecting direct talks, Iran has not completely closed the door on diplomacy. Araghchi indicated that indirect negotiations, similar to those conducted in the past, could continue. This nuanced response suggests Iran may be open to resolving disputes through third-party intermediaries while maintaining its public stance against direct engagement with the United States under current conditions.

Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump spoke by phone for more than two hours, with both the Kremlin and the White House describing the conversation as "positive."

Putin backed Trump’s proposal for a 30-day mutual moratorium on attacks against energy infrastructure in… pic.twitter.com/THZdRoXvWC

— CGTN Europe (@CGTNEurope) March 18, 2025

Khamenei Denounces “Bullying Governments”

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivered a harsh rebuke of Trump’s offer, framing it as part of a broader pattern of Western powers attempting to exert dominance rather than engage in good-faith problem-solving. His statements, reported by Iranian state media, characterized Trump’s proposal as fundamentally deceptive and designed to subjugate Iran rather than resolve legitimate security concerns.

“Such negotiations aren’t aimed at solving issues. Their aim is to exert their dominance,” Khamenei said of the matter.

The rejection comes as the International Atomic Energy Agency reports that Iran continues to expand its enriched uranium stockpile, raising concerns among Western powers. Trump has made it clear that preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons remains a top priority for his administration. “Hopefully, we will have a peace deal. I’m just saying I’d rather see a peace deal than the other. But the other will solve the problem,” Trump stated, underlining the serious nature of his administration’s intentions regarding Iran’s nuclear program.

Tensions Rooted in Nuclear Deal Withdrawal

The current standoff traces back to 2018, when Trump withdrew the United States from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal. That decision reinstituted harsh economic sanctions targeting Iran’s vital energy sector and set in motion a cycle of escalating tensions. Since then, Iran has gradually rolled back its commitments under the agreement, increasing uranium enrichment levels and limiting international inspections.

While diplomatic channels remain technically open, the prospect of meaningful negotiations appears dim in the current climate of mutual distrust. The U.S. maintains that Iran must not develop nuclear weapons capability, while Iran insists its program is for peaceful purposes only. With military options explicitly on the table and Iran refusing to negotiate under pressure, the situation remains volatile with significant implications for regional stability in the Middle East.