India, March 21 -- On March 2, US President Donald Trump said in an interview that he had written to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, offering direct talks on the nuclear issue. While holding out the prospect of a "peace deal", Trump warned against military action against Iran. Nearly one month after Trump signed the executive order relaunching the "maximum pressure" on Iran, he seems to be doubling down on the dual-track approach of escalating pressure and offering a diplomatic opening. Announcing an end to the sanctions waiver that allowed Iraq to buy electricity from Iran, a US State department statement noted that it was to "ensure we do not allow Iran any degree of economic or financial relief."

Iran is sticking to its ...