President Trump recently revealed that he had sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei expressing his interest in negotiating regarding Iran’s advancing nuclear program. This statement was made during an interview with Fox Business News, recorded this week. In the interview, President Trump mentioned sending the letter “yesterday,” although the exact timing was not clear. He emphasized his preference for reaching a deal through negotiation rather than military action, stating that a negotiated deal could be as effective as a military victory. President Trump expressed his hope that Iran would engage in negotiations, as he believes military intervention would be detrimental for them. Reports from Iranian media indicated that a letter from President Trump was delivered to Tehran by a senior United Arab Emirates diplomat. However, Iran initially denied receiving the letter and stated that they would not negotiate with the U.S. as long as heavy sanctions were in place. The International Atomic Energy Agency reported an increase in Iran’s production of high enriched uranium, indicating progress in their nuclear program since President Trump’s re-election. This development followed the U.S. withdrawal from a previous nuclear deal with Iran during President Trump’s first term. The original deal allowed Iran to enrich uranium up to 3.67% purity, with restrictions on stockpile size. The recent IAEA report revealed that Iran was enriching uranium to 60% purity, closer to the level required for weapons. Iran maintains that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, amid escalating tensions with the U.S. and Israel over sanctions and regional conflicts. Supreme Leader Khamenei has expressed varying views on engagement with the U.S., indicating a complex relationship between the two nations.
Pro-Palestinian activist who played a key role in leading protests at Columbia University faces deportation. Senate must pass House’s short-term spending bill by Friday to prevent a government shutdown.
