Iran rejected the prospect of direct negotiations with the United States in its response to President Donald Trump’s recent letter, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on March 30, adding that Tehran remains open to "indirect talks."

“While the response rules out the possibility of direct talks between the two sides, it states that indirect negotiations remain an option. It also emphasises that Iran has never shied away from engaging in dialogue,” state media IRNA quoted Pezeshkian as saying during a cabinet meeting.

Meanwhile, government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani said that indirect negotiations with the US are now “on the agenda” as diplomatic tensions persist. Her comments come days after an official Iranian jet was reportedly spotted flying to Oman and back with what is expected to be Tehran's response to Trump. 

The Iranian Foreign Ministry also issued a statement addressing the confidentiality of the exchanges between Tehran and Washington, stressing that communications with the US “will remain secret as long as national interests require.”

Mohajerani revealed on the social media platform X that Tehran had formally responded to a letter from Trump.

"Iran’s response has been drafted and delivered. Accordingly, indirect negotiations with the US remain on the table. The diplomatic process continues," she added.

Trump’s letter, initially sent via the United Arab Emirates, was received by Iran in March. Iran, in turn, conveyed its reply through Oman, reiterating its unwillingness to engage in direct dialogue while facing mounting economic sanctions and military threats.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed on March 27 that Tehran’s official response had been sent. He said the document contained a detailed summary of Iran’s stance on ongoing disputes.

"This official response fully outlines our views on the current situation and Mr. Trump's letter, which has been communicated to the other party," Araghchi told IRNA.

Despite maintaining a hardline stance on direct talks, Araghchi signalled a willingness for indirect negotiations to continue.

"Our policy remains unchanged: we will not engage in direct negotiations under maximum pressure and military threats. However, as in the past, indirect talks may proceed," he noted.

Trump’s overture comes against a backdrop of escalating tensions, with the US recently reinforcing military assets at its Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean. Intelligence reports suggest the deployment includes B-52 bombers, raising concerns about a potential military escalation.

Kamal Kharrazi, chairman of Iran’s Strategic Council on Foreign Relations, dismissed Washington’s latest diplomatic efforts as "psychological warfare."

While cautioning against premature optimism, Kharrazi reiterated that Iran had not completely closed the door on negotiations.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran has not ruled out all options but is prepared for indirect negotiations to assess the other side’s position, present its conditions, and make appropriate decisions," he said.