AFP, Tehran

Iran’s top diplomat has dismissed direct negotiations with the United States as pointless over nuclear talks, his office said yesterday.

Trump sent a letter to Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei last month calling for negotiations but warning of military action if diplomacy failed.

On Thursday, the Trump said he favoured “direct talks”, arguing they were “faster” and offered a better understanding.

But Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said direct talks made no sense with a country “that constantly threatens to resort to force in violation of the UN Charter”.

“We remain committed to diplomacy and are ready to try the path of indirect negotiations,” he said.

“Iran keeps itself prepared for all possible or probable events, and just as it is serious in diplomacy and negotiations, it will also be decisive and serious in defending its national interests and sovereignty.”