Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi has confirmed that no messages have been exchanged between Tehran and Washington since Donald Trump’s return to the White House. Speaking to the ISNA news agency on Monday, Takht-Ravanchi stated, “It has only been a few days since the new American administration took office, and no messages have been exchanged.”
Trump’s first tenure saw a policy of “maximum pressure” on Iran, which included the withdrawal of the United States from the 2015 nuclear agreement, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The deal had originally imposed restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. Following the US withdrawal, Iran began scaling back its commitments under the agreement. Despite efforts to revive the accord, progress has stalled in recent years.
Takht-Ravanchi emphasized the need for a patient approach, stating, “We must plan calmly. Once the policies of the new US administration are clear, we will respond accordingly.” He also referenced Trump’s recent comments indicating a preference for avoiding military action against Iran’s nuclear facilities, with hopes for a potential agreement.
In the meantime, Iran has demonstrated openness to restoring the JCPOA. President Masoud Pezeshkian, who assumed office in July, has called for ending Tehran’s international isolation. Earlier this month, Iranian officials held what were described as “frank and constructive” talks with representatives from Britain, France, and Germany.
Takht-Ravanchi noted that these discussions were the third round of negotiations following earlier meetings in Geneva and New York. He anticipates another round within the next month, though the exact date remains unconfirmed. “We will focus solely on nuclear issues as outlined in the JCPOA,” he clarified, ruling out the inclusion of non-nuclear topics in the negotiations.
