Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said Iran will pursue negotiations with the US after requests from friendly governments in the region to respond to a US proposal for talks. In a statement on X, Pezeshkian indicated that he had directed Iran's Minister of Foreign Affairs Abbas Araghchi to pursue talks provided that a suitable environment exists - one free from threats and unreasonable expectations.
The Iranian president's words come after the country's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that any attack on Iran would spark a regional conflict. US President Donald Trump has expressed intentions to intervene in Iran due to its nuclear ambitions and the deadly crackdown on protesters, accumulating military forces nearby.
These negotiations shall be conducted within the framework of our national interests, Pezeshkian added. The discussions are reportedly set to take place in Istanbul on Friday.
Pezeshkian's announcement follows an interview with Araghchi, who conveyed confidence that a deal could be achieved. Trump commented on the possibility of negotiations, noting that while it would be great if an agreement could be reached, dire consequences would arise otherwise.
The backdrop to these developments includes targeted strikes by the US on Iran's nuclear facilities last year, alongside a large-scale operation by Israel against Iran's nuclear sites and personnel. Trump has also alluded to a substantial military deployment, underlying escalating volatility in the region following extensive protests in Iran, which activists say have resulted in thousands of deaths, contrary to official reports.
As economic frustrations fueled widespread demonstrations, the Iranian authorities have recognized a significant public discontent that is no longer deterred by fear. Reports suggest that the aftermath has seen heightened anger directed at the government, pushing towards potential political change.
The Iranian president's words come after the country's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that any attack on Iran would spark a regional conflict. US President Donald Trump has expressed intentions to intervene in Iran due to its nuclear ambitions and the deadly crackdown on protesters, accumulating military forces nearby.
These negotiations shall be conducted within the framework of our national interests, Pezeshkian added. The discussions are reportedly set to take place in Istanbul on Friday.
Pezeshkian's announcement follows an interview with Araghchi, who conveyed confidence that a deal could be achieved. Trump commented on the possibility of negotiations, noting that while it would be great if an agreement could be reached, dire consequences would arise otherwise.
The backdrop to these developments includes targeted strikes by the US on Iran's nuclear facilities last year, alongside a large-scale operation by Israel against Iran's nuclear sites and personnel. Trump has also alluded to a substantial military deployment, underlying escalating volatility in the region following extensive protests in Iran, which activists say have resulted in thousands of deaths, contrary to official reports.
As economic frustrations fueled widespread demonstrations, the Iranian authorities have recognized a significant public discontent that is no longer deterred by fear. Reports suggest that the aftermath has seen heightened anger directed at the government, pushing towards potential political change.
