Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, confirmed today that he has directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to initiate negotiations with the United States on the nuclear issue. This directive comes in response to recent threats from U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned of potential military action if no agreement is reached.
President Pezeshkian shared the announcement via a post on X. "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, guided by the principles of dignity, prudence, and expediency," he stated.
The talks aim to address Iran's nuclear program within the framework of national interests, following requests from friendly governments.
The decision follows heightened tensions, including U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites last summer and the deployment of American warships to the region. President Trump expressed hope for a resolution but cautioned that "bad things would happen" without a deal.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized Iran's readiness for diplomacy, noting in a CNN interview that a fair agreement is possible if the U.S. ensures no nuclear weapons proliferation.
Sources indicate that preliminary meetings may occur in Istanbul, Turkey, later this week, involving senior U.S. officials, including Trump's Middle East envoy and son-in-law Jared Kushner, alongside Iranian representatives and mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey. Iran maintains that discussions will focus solely on the nuclear file, excluding its missile program or defense capabilities.
This initiative underscores Iran's commitment to diplomatic solutions amid ongoing sanctions and regional instability, aiming to de-escalate the crisis and promote mutual respect.