Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian hinted at a conditional openness to negotiations with the United States, signaling a potential diplomatic opening while underlining strict assumptions.
In a formal statement, he said that following requests from what he described as friendly governments in the region, he had instructed the secretary of state to examine the basis for the talks proposed by the US president, provided the process takes place in an atmosphere free of threats and “unreasonable expectations”.
“I have authorized my minister of foreign affairs, assuming that there will be an appropriate environment – one free of threats and unreasonable expectations – to conduct fair and just negotiations,” Pezeshkian said in a post on X.
The negotiations will be conducted “within our national interests”, he said.
The Iranian leader stressed that any potential engagement must be conducted with dignity, wisdom and expediency and firmly within Iran’s national interests. The remarks suggest Tehran is trying to show a willingness to dialogue without appearing to back down under pressure, underscoring its long-standing position that negotiations can only proceed on terms it deems fair and just.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s tentative start to talks comes amid heightened regional tensions after Washington sent an aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East following Iran’s deadly crackdown on anti-government protests that erupted last month.
US President Donald Trump said he remains hopeful that Washington will “work something out” with Tehran, but warned earlier this week that “bad things will happen” if no deal is reached. For their part, Iranian authorities have insisted they prioritize diplomacy, while vowing an unlimited response to any act of aggression.
Tehran has repeatedly stressed that any talks must be strictly limited to the nuclear file, while rejecting talks about its missile program or broader defense capabilities.
In an interview with CNN broadcast Monday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said a nuclear deal with the United States is achievable if Washington adheres to its stated goal of fairness.
“So I see the possibility of further negotiations if the US negotiating team follows what President Trump has said: come to a fair and just deal that ensures there are no nuclear weapons,” he said, adding: “So if that’s the case, I’m sure we can get a deal.”
But Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei warned that any US attack on Iran could trigger a “regional war”, stressing that any renewed diplomatic engagement is at stake.