Washington, DC – Jamal Abdi, President of the National Iranian American Council, issued the following statement regarding reports that President Trump sent a letter to Supreme Leader Khamenei on pursuing negotiations.
“It is significant that President Trump has appealed directly to Iran’s Supreme Leader to initiate nuclear talks, following many statements indicating his interest in a deal. But what matters is the content of that letter. Trump needs to make Iran an offer to negotiate under conditions it can accept, rather than seek to ensure it is an offer Iran can’t refuse.
“We commend President Trump for pursuing diplomacy with Iran to prevent nuclear proliferation and a disastrous and avoidable war. It remains to be seen, however, if figures who seek conflict both in the Trump administration and in Tehran will sabotage an opportunity for peace. Mike Pompeo and John Bolton helped ensure President Trump never made it to the negotiating table with Iran in his first term by issuing provocative policies and unrealistic demands, time will tell if neocons in the President’s midst will once again frustrate diplomatic efforts. The maximum pressure that the President said he only signed reluctantly has already risked poisoning the well as hardliners in Iran and the Supreme Leader have seized on it as proof of bad faith. It should never have been put forward, particularly before diplomatic efforts were explored.
“To date, the President has taken one step forward on negotiations with Iran only to see his administration take a matching step back. While the President’s appeal for a “Verified Nuclear Peace Agreement” has been welcome, matching it with a maximum pressure memorandum that amplifies pressure and lays out goals well beyond the nuclear file – all while alluding to threats of military force – has undermined chances for successful negotiations. All of this has tilted the balance in Tehran away from moderates who would want to strike a nuclear deal and toward hardline opponents of negotiations.
“President Trump’s personal appeal can carry weight, provided it is an appropriate tone and provided that it is accompanied by actions to show he is willing and able to negotiate. Trump must remain invested in negotiations and ensure that his administration is implementing his vision to get to the negotiating table.
“We hope that Iran responds to this letter by laying out what it wants to see in order for negotiations to take place, rather than digging in its heels and appearing to refuse to negotiate under any circumstances. If Iran’s leadership insists on waiting for the stars to align perfectly for negotiations, the window for negotiations is very likely to close and the risks of war will greatly increase to the detriment of all.”
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