US President Donald Trump confirmed that he sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, regarding a potential nuclear deal. In a Fox Business News interview aired on Friday, Trump stated that he urged Iran’s leadership to negotiate. “I’ve written them a letter saying, ‘I hope you’re going to negotiate because if we have to go in militarily, it’s going to be a terrible thing,’” he said.

White House Confirms Trump’s Letter

Later, the White House verified that Trump had reached out to Iranian officials, proposing talks. However, officials did not reveal further details. Meanwhile, the full interview is set to air on Sunday.

Trump emphasized his preference for diplomacy over conflict. “I would rather negotiate a deal. I’m not sure that everybody agrees with me, but we can make a deal that would be just as good as if you won militarily,” he explained.

Nevertheless, he warned that time was running out. “The time is happening now. The time is coming up. Something’s going to happen one way or the other,” he added.

Trump Urges Iran to Negotiate

According to Trump, Iran would benefit from negotiations. “I hope you’re going to negotiate because it’s going to be a lot better for Iran. I think they want to get that letter. The other alternative is we have to do something because you can’t let them have a nuclear weapon,” he stressed.

Iran’s Response Remains Unclear

So far, Iran has claimed its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. However, tensions with the U.S. remain high due to sanctions and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. As a result, Iranian officials have increasingly hinted at the possibility of pursuing nuclear weapons.

Shortly after Trump’s remarks, Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency reported his statement. However, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s office has not responded yet. Since Khamenei, 85, holds the final authority on state matters, his response will be crucial.

Concerns Over Iran’s Nuclear Activities Grow

Since returning to the White House, Trump has made it clear that stopping Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons is a top priority.

Meanwhile, a recent report from the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog has raised global concerns. The report confirmed that Iran has accelerated its production of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels. Consequently, the international community remains on high alert.