Iran Rejects Direct Talks With U.S. on Nuclear Deal
Tehran rules out direct dialogue, demands mediation — Trump threatens military response
Iran has officially announced it will not engage in direct negotiations with the United States over the revival of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) regarding its nuclear program. The President of the Islamic Republic emphasized that any dialogue would only be possible through intermediaries such as Qatar, Oman, or Switzerland. The decision stems from a lack of trust following the U.S. withdrawal from the deal in 2018.
The JCPOA, signed in 2015 between Iran and six world powers (the U.S., UK, France, Germany, China, and Russia), lifted international sanctions in exchange for restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program. However, the Trump administration unilaterally withdrew in 2018, sparking heightened tensions across the Middle East.
Following the U.S. exit, Iran gradually rolled back its commitments, increased uranium enrichment levels, and limited IAEA inspectors' access to its nuclear facilities. This raised serious concerns among Western nations and Israel. In response, Washington expanded sanctions, targeting Iran’s banking and energy sectors.
Iran’s current rejection of direct dialogue is rooted in repeated U.S. breaches of past agreements. Tehran insists that only multilateral talks with neutral mediation are acceptable. The Iranian government demands a complete lifting of sanctions, restoration of banking channels, and access to international payment systems as preconditions for negotiations.
Commenting on Iran’s refusal, Donald Trump stated that if Tehran continues its nuclear activities, the U.S. is prepared to respond militarily. “If they walk away from the deal, it means they’ve walked away from peace. We are ready for any scenario,” he declared at a White House briefing.
According to American media, the Pentagon is already reviewing preemptive strike plans against several nuclear sites in Iran. Israel has expressed support for potential U.S. actions. Meanwhile, the head of the IAEA urged restraint, warning that diplomacy remains the only path to avoid a wider regional conflict.
Experts suggest Iran’s position may be part of a negotiating strategy to secure better terms and guarantees against unilateral U.S. withdrawal in the future. Backchannel talks are reportedly ongoing, raising the possibility of informal engagement.
Observers note that Iran is leveraging the current global instability — including the war in Ukraine, U.S.-China tensions, and unrest in the Middle East — to strengthen its bargaining position. Tehran believes Washington may be willing to re-enter the deal under more flexible terms.
For now, prospects for resolution remain unclear. European JCPOA participants have expressed concern over rising tensions and are urging both sides to refrain from actions that could permanently derail the agreement. However, diplomatic progress remains elusive.
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