- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described US President Donald Trump’s message as a “threat that contains an opportunity,” confirming that Tehran is evaluating its response through “appropriate channels” and will respond soon.
In recent days, Washington and Tehran have exchanged indirect messages to gauge the possibility of negotiations. While Trump pursues a policy of “maximum pressure,” Iran refuses to engage in talks under what it calls “threats and intimidation.”
Speaking on Thursday, Araghchi stated that Iran would respond to Trump’s message but is “not in a hurry.” He added: “Since it is Nowruz and Ramadan, we are not rushing to reply, but it won’t take too long. We will respond in the coming days.”
According to the government-affiliated Mehr News Agency, Araghchi noted that Trump’s message contains both “threats and claims of opportunities.” He explained: “We are carefully analyzing every angle and point in Trump’s message, and our response will take into account all aspects of both the threats and the opportunities.”
Araghchi reiterated that Tehran rejects direct negotiations with Washington “under pressure and intensified sanctions,” stating: “Our policy is indirect negotiations as long as the threats continue... We are prepared for war, but we do not welcome it. The coming year will be difficult, significant, and complex.”
Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani confirmed that Trump’s message to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is “under review” and that a “suitable response” will be given at the appropriate time and in a manner deemed appropriate.
Speaking to the ILNA news agency, Mohajerani added that the government currently has no plans to disclose the contents of Trump’s message.
Last week, Khamenei rejected Trump’s message, calling it a “deception” and arguing that his excessive demands would “tighten the noose of sanctions around Iran and increase pressure on the country.”
Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers during his first presidential term and reimposed sanctions on Iran. Since then, Iran has violated the deal’s limits on its nuclear program, prompting Western powers to accuse Tehran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons by enriching uranium to 60% purity—well beyond what is considered necessary for a civilian nuclear program.
Iran maintains that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes and that it remains committed to its obligations under international law.
On March 21, 2025 (Friday), Iranians will celebrate the arrival of the year 1404 in their calendar, along with nearly 300 million people worldwide, including communities in Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, and Kurdish regions of Iraq and Türkiye.
Trump extended Nowruz greetings to Iranians, expressing his “appreciation for Iran’s rich culture and the outstanding talents of its people in various fields,” according to a message released by the White House on March 19.
