Iran rejects direct negotiations with US and requests proof that it ‘can build trust’

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Sunday that the Islamic Republic is ruling out direct negotiations with the US on its nuclear programme.

“We don’t avoid talks,” Pezeshkian said in televised remarks during a cabinet meeting. “It’s the breach of promises that has caused issues for us so far. They must prove that they can build trust.”

Pezeshkian was speaking in response to a letter sent by US President Donald Trump to Tehran on 12 March, the exact contents of which were not revealed.

Iran’s reply, which was delivered to the US through the sultanate of Oman, did however leave the door open for potential indirect negotiations with Washington.

The White House did not offer an immediate response to the Iranian president’s remarks.

Our journalists are working on this story and will update it as soon as more information becomes available.