Trump issues ultimatum to Iran over nuclear deal in letter to Khamenei Two-Month Response Deadline set

US President Donald Trump has delivered a letter to Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, outlining a two-month deadline for negotiations over a new nuclear deal, according to sources briefed on the letter.

The precise starting point of the deadline is unclear, with some experts speculating whether it begins when the letter was delivered or once formal talks start, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

However, there is growing concern that if Iran rejects Trump's offer or fails to engage in negotiations, the likelihood of military action by the U.S. or Israel against Iran’s nuclear facilities would significantly rise.

Iran’s nuclear program has progressed notably in the past four years, with the country now closer than ever to developing nuclear weapons. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported that Iran’s stockpile of 60% enriched uranium could potentially be enough for six nuclear bombs if further enriched to 90%. Iran continues to deny any intentions to pursue nuclear weapons, but the situation remains tense.

In a recent interview with Fox News, Trump confirmed that he had sent the letter to Khamenei proposing direct negotiations, adding that the U.S. was "down to the final moments" with Iran. He stressed, "We can't let them have a nuclear weapon.

Something is going to happen very soon. I would rather have a peace deal than the other option, but the other option will solve the problem." The letter, delivered by Trump envoy Steve Witkoff to the President of the UAE, Mohammed Bin Zayed (MBZ), was subsequently handed over to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Tehran by MBZ’s envoy, Anwar Gargash. Sources indicate that the letter took a tough stance, offering negotiations while warning of serious consequences should Iran continue advancing its nuclear program.

Before the letter’s delivery, the White House briefed key U.S. allies—including Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE—on the contents of the message. However, the White House has declined to comment, and the Iranian mission to the UN has not responded to requests for clarification. Iran’s Supreme Leader dismissed the letter as "a deception," claiming it was designed to falsely portray Iran as unwilling to negotiate.

Despite this, the Iranian mission to the UN did not completely rule out negotiations, stating, "If the objective of negotiations is to address concerns vis-à-vis any potential militarization of Iran's nuclear program, such discussions may be subject to consideration." However, Iran made it clear that talks aimed at dismantling its nuclear program would never take place, adding, "Such negotiations will never take place."

Iran's Foreign Ministry has confirmed that the letter is still under review, and a response is being drafted. Meanwhile, Trump has warned that any further attacks from the Houthis in Yemen would be considered as actions taken by Iran, threatening "dire consequences" for the Iranian government. Iran, however, has consistently denied control over the Houthis.

Trump’s national security adviser, Mike Waltz, also emphasized that Iran must "hand over and give up" all elements of its nuclear program, including missile development, weaponization, and uranium enrichment, or face further consequences. He stated, "Iran has been offered a way out of this."

By Aghakazim Guliyev