Trump’s Iran nuclear deal aimed to curb missile program is ‘unacceptable,’ Tehran says
President Trump’s new deal aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear program is unacceptable, officials in Tehran said as they continue to reject direct talks with the US.
Iranian officials accused the US on Tuesday of pushing to hinder Tehran’s missile program and influence in the Middle East, two things that were previously off the table during recent indirect talks with American negotiators.
“Trump wants a new deal: End Iran’s regional influence, dismantle its nuclear program and halt its missile work. These are unacceptable to Tehran,” one senior Iranian official told Reuters.
“Our nuclear program cannot be dismantled,” the officials added.
Another official echoed Tehran’s unwillingness to disarm, claiming it needed its weapons in case of an attack from Israel or another foe.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi?confirmed that a meeting would take place on Saturday in Oman, but insisted it will be “indirect.”
The response from Tehran came just a day after Trump claimed his administration would convene direct nuclear talks with Iran on Saturday, saying he hopes for “a deal” to avoid “the obvious” military alternative.
“I think if the talks aren’t successful with Iran, I think Iran is going to be in great danger, and I hate to say, in great danger, because they can’t have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said.
The threat echoed the letter he sent to Grand Ayatollah?Ali Khamenei, calling on him to negotiate with the US or face potential military action.?
Trump and Israel have warned that they will not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons following reports from the UN’s nuclear watchdog that Tehran’s uranium enrichment projects are approaching weapons-grade levels.
Iran has maintained that its nuclear projects are not focusing on weapons, even as Tehran officials repeatedly threaten to pursue the bomb.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has also repeatedly denied that the Islamic republic was open to direct negotiations with the Trump administration after the American president withdrew from Tehran’s nuclear deal during his first term.
Khamenei previously told the Trump administration that threats against Iran “will get them nowhere,” warning of possible retaliation if America goes through with a military strike.
With Post wires
