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By Amira El-Fekki
Middle East News Reporter
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U.S. President Donald Trump says he wants "direct talks" with Iran in order to allay its unease about a new nuclear deal.
"I think they're concerned; I think they feel vulnerable, and I don't want them to feel that way," Trump told reporters on Air Force One on Thursday.
Iran's Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to Newsweek's request for comment.
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Why It Matters
Trump's remarks follow the Iranian leadership's rejection of a proposal to negotiate, subsequently leading to an escalation in rhetoric on both sides. Tehran said it would not engage directly with the United States while its campaign of "maximum pressure" remains in place—but did not rule out indirect talks.
Rising tensions between Iran and the United States have reignited concerns over a direct military conflict in the Middle East. Since taking office, Trump has reinstated strict sanctions in order to weaken Iran's economy and stop its nuclear program. While Tehran has denied seeking nuclear weapons, its recent warnings suggest it will not back down easily.
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What To Know
"I think it'll better if we have direct talks. I think it goes faster and you understand the other side a lot better than if you go to intermediators," Trump said while en route to Miami, in response to a question about negotiations over Iran's nuclear program and the potential involvement of mediators.
"They wanted to use intermediators. I don't think that's necessarily true anymore. I think they're concerned; I think they feel vulnerable," he said, according to footage published by Forbes.
Iran says its nuclear development, which had been curbed by now-lapsed restrictions, is peaceful and not intended to make weapons, but tensions have grown with Trump's ultimatum and as Iran increasing its threats of retaliation.
Last week, Iran said it sent a letter to Trump through Oman to reject his proposal of direct engagement over a new nuclear deal. The U.S. withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal during the first Trump administration.
Asked about the contents of Iran's letter, Trump said: "I know for a fact, I think they'd like to have direct talks. Forget about letters. I think they wanna have direct talks."
What People Are Saying
Abbas Araghchi, Iran's Foreign Minister, on X: "Diplomatic engagement worked in the past and can still work, BUT, it should be clear to all that there is—by definition—no such thing as a 'military option' let alone a 'military solution.'"
**Zalmay Khalilzad, former U.S. special representative for Afghanistan reconciliation, on X: "**There is a window for diplomacy to reach an agreement on Iran's nuclear program that provides for a civilian program and precludes the acquisition of nuclear weapons. It is vital that an agreement is reached before the window closes. A devastating war would not be a superior option. This is the time for diplomacy."
What Happens Next
If Iran agrees, direct talks would be a rare breakthrough in U.S.-Iran diplomacy, which could potentially decrease the risks of direct military confrontation in the fragile Middle East region.
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