TEHRAN: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed on Tuesday that he has instructed his government to initiate nuclear talks with the United States, emphasizing that discussions will proceed “within the framework of our national interests.”
The development comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, after US President Donald Trump warned of potential “bad things” and Washington dispatched an aircraft carrier group in the wake of Iran’s crackdown on anti-government protests last month, according to AFP.
“I have instructed my Minister of Foreign Affairs, provided that a suitable environment exists — one free from threats and unreasonable expectations — to pursue fair and equitable negotiations,” Pezeshkian said in a post on X, underscoring Iran’s commitment to safeguard its national interests.
While President Trump has expressed hope for a diplomatic resolution, he has cautioned that failure to reach a deal could have serious consequences.
Tehran has repeatedly emphasized its preference for diplomacy but has vowed a strong response to any military aggression. Iranian officials insist that negotiations will focus solely on the nuclear issue, rejecting discussions over its missile program or broader defense capabilities.
In a CNN interview broadcast Monday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said a nuclear agreement with the US remains possible. “If the US negotiation team follows what President Trump said — to come to a fair and equitable deal to ensure that there are no nuclear weapons — I am confident that we can achieve a deal,” he said.
Meanwhile, Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned that any US attack could trigger a regional war, highlighting the high stakes surrounding the potential talks.
The upcoming discussions signal a delicate attempt at diplomacy, with both Tehran and Washington navigating a complex balance between deterrence, negotiation, and regional stability.
