Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has stated that Iran will pursue negotiations with the US after receiving requests from friendly governments in the region to respond to a US proposal for talks.
In a statement on X, Pezeshkian mentioned that he instructed Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to pursue discussions provided that a suitable environment exists - one free from threats and unreasonable expectations.
This development follows strong warnings from Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, indicating that any attacks on Iran could result in a broader regional conflict.
US President Donald Trump had previously threatened intervention over Iran's nuclear activities and the violent suppression of protests, which have resulted in significant casualties. Pezeshkian's announcement is framed within the context of these escalating tensions and the assertion that any diplomatic engagements will prioritize Iran's national interests.
Reports suggest the upcoming talks may be held in Istanbul, and Pezeshkian's remarks echo a confident outlook expressed by Araghchi in a recent CNN interview, where he conveyed optimism about reaching a deal.
Trump has also voiced a willingness to negotiate under the right circumstances but cautioned that failure to resolve issues could lead to serious repercussions.
The United States previously launched Operation Midnight Hammer, targeting Iran's nuclear facilities, further inflaming hostilities. With a military presence in the region increasing, including the deployment of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, the geopolitical landscape remains fraught with tension.
The ongoing protests in Iran have been fueled by economic discontent, escalating to demands for political reform, and reports from various sources indicate that the death toll from these protests may be significantly higher than official estimates suggest.
Pezeshkian's call for negotiations represents a notable shift in the Iranian government's approach amid public sentiments running high after recent unrest.
