New Delhi: Iran is ready to hold ‘’fair and equitable negotiations’’ with the United States ‘’within the framework of Iran’s national interests,’’ President Masoud Pezeshkian of the Islamic Republic said on Tuesday, as war rhetoric between Washington and Tehran appears to be easing.
Pezeshkian said he had instructed his Foreign Minister to pursue ‘’fair and equitable negotiations guided by the principles of dignity, prudence and expediency’’ provided there is an environment free from threats and unreasonable expectations.
Iran agreed to the talks with the US after ‘’requests’’ from friendly governments in the region to respond to the US President Donald Trump’s proposal for negotiations,’’ he said.
‘’In light of requests from friendly governments in the region to respond to the proposal by the President of the United States for negotiations, 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. These negotiations shall be conducted within the framework of our national interests,’’ Pezeshkian said on X.
Turkish media announced that the Iran-US negotiations will be held in Istanbul between Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and US Envoy Steve Witkoff.
Iran’s MEHR News Agency (MNA) said Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will also be present.
The Washington Post said Steve Witkoff, President Trump’s special envoy, is expected to meet Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday in Istanbul to discuss a potential nuclear agreement.
The meeting is being planned amid intensive diplomatic efforts by Turkey, Qatar, Egypt, and other West Asian countries aimed at reducing tensions between Iran and the United States.
MNA quoted Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi as saying that Iran has never abandoned diplomacy and remains ready to engage in diplomatic efforts aimed at safeguarding the rights and interests of the Iranian people.
Attending a ceremony marking the 47th anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution, he said Iran has consistently pursued diplomacy and has not missed any opportunity to secure the rights of the Iranian nation. All officials are working to ensure and defend those rights, he added.
‘’It is now others who are speaking about diplomacy, provided it is conducted based on mutual respect and for the realisation of mutual interests,’’ Araghchi said.
He emphasised that the Iranian people must be addressed with respect and Iran will respond respectfully to those who do so. Iran is ready for diplomacy, which has its own principles, Araghchi said, expressing hope that the results of diplomatic efforts will soon be seen, according to MNA.
Iran’s willingness for talks comes after Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei warned that any attack on his country would result in a “regional war.”
‘’Americans need to know if they start a new war, it will be a regional one,’’ Ali Khamenei said at a public gathering on Sunday in downtown Tehran. The warning came after the US amassed military assets in the Middle East.
The two countries had confirmed opening lines of communication to work out a deal and avoid military action. Trump had told reporters on Saturday that Iran was “seriously talking” with Washington.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Iran is reviewing various aspects of efforts to resume negotiations with the United States, noting that concerned regional countries are playing a constructive mediating role.
Speaking at a weekly press conference, Baqaei said on Monday that Iran had maintained a serious and responsible approach and pursued efforts to safeguard national interests and regional stability despite continued destabilising actions in the region by the US and Israel.
These include high-level contacts between Iran’s President and Heads of various States, frequent discussions between the Foreign Minister and regional counterparts, and recent visits to Turkey and Russia, reflecting Tehran’s continuous engagement in protecting its national and regional priorities, IRNA quoted him as saying.
He said Iran has repeatedly experienced US breaches of commitments, deception, and unfulfilled promises over the past decade, with the most serious instance occurring in June. ‘’The hard-won experiences will be factored into all future decisions,’’ he added.
He said Iran is reviewing diplomatic options carefully while noting that time is crucial. Talks in the past were sometimes abused, he said.
Asked about mixed US signals of threats and calls for talks, the spokesperson said the key response is clear communication.
