Overview

• Donald Trump stated he has written to Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, urging negotiations to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
• Trump warned of potential military intervention if Iran refuses to engage in talks, describing such an outcome as 'terrible for them.'
• The Iranian government denies receiving the letter and reiterated its refusal to negotiate under U.S. sanctions and threats.
• Since returning to office in January, Trump has reinstated 'maximum pressure' policies, including sanctions targeting Iran's oil exports, to isolate the country economically.
• Iran maintains its nuclear program is for civilian purposes, though international reports indicate concerning levels of uranium enrichment nearing weapons-grade thresholds.