US behavior key to indirect talks after Trump letter, Iran says

The future of indirect negotiations between Iran and the US hinges on Washington's behavior, the Iranian president said on Sunday following Tehran's response to a letter from President Donald Trump.

Masoud Pezeshkian told his cabinet, "In this response, although the issue of direct negotiation between the two sides has been rejected, it has been stated that the path of indirect negotiation is open."

He emphasized that Iran has never avoided negotiations, and that past issues arose from breaches of promises by the US that need to be rectified to rebuild trust.

"[In the response] it has been emphasized that Iran has never avoided negotiation, and it was only bad faith that caused problems in this path, which must be compensated and trust rebuilt; it is the behavior of the Americans that determines the continuation of the negotiation path," Pezeshkian said.

Earlier reports indicated that Trump's letter proposed discussions on Iran's nuclear program, while Iranian sources said their response reiterated long-standing positions, including a refusal to negotiate on its missile program or regional alliances.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also said on Thursday that Iran's response was conveyed through Oman, and that while direct talks were off the table under Trump’s so-called maximum pressure and military threats, indirect negotiations could continue.

Earlier on Sunday, Iran's Foreign Ministry emphasized the importance of maintaining the confidentiality of international negotiations and correspondence as it confirmed the exchange of messages with the United States.