Monitoring Desk
ISLAMABAD: Iran has categorically rejected US carrot and stick tactic of forcing it into direct talks on a nuclear deal. However, it has expressed the willingness of continuing negotiations with Washington through Oman.
Foreign media outlets quoted a senior Iranian official as saying that indirect negotiations will give Tehran an opportunity to assess how serious the U.S. was about finding a political solution to the issue.
The official said although this path may be difficult, if the U.S. supports it the talks could begin soon.
Meanwhile, Iran has issued warnings to Iraq, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Turkey, and Bahrain that if they cooperated in any U.S. attack by allowing the use of their airspace or land, it will be considered an act of hostility.
The Iranian official said that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had placed the Iranian armed forces on high alert.
Iraq, Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain have not issued immediate responses to Iran’s warning. However, Turkey’s Foreign Ministry stated it was unaware of such a warning, although such messages could be conveyed through other channels.
On Wednesday, Iranian state media reported that Kuwait had assured Iran that no aggressive actions would be allowed from its territory.
President Trump’s threats of military action against Iran have further escalated tensions in a region already facing open warfare in Gaza and Lebanon, military strikes in Yemen, regime change efforts in Syria, and ongoing clashes between Israel and Iran.
Earlier in March, President Trump revealed that he had sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, proposing negotiations on the nuclear deal.
President Trump said there were two ways to deal with Iran: one is military, and the other through a deal. “I would prefer a deal because I don’t want to harm Iran. They are very good people,” he said.
Iran refused direct talks with the U.S. under current circumstances but hinted at the possibility of indirect negotiations.
The Iranian Foreign Minister said that, as in the past, indirect talks with the U.S. could still take place.
President Trump warned Iran that if it did not agree to a nuclear deal, it would face serious consequences.
Reacting to Iran’s response to his letter on nuclear negotiations, President Trump said that failure to reach a nuclear deal would result in severe repercussions for Iran.
