Tehran — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has instructed the country’s foreign minister to explore the possibility of negotiations with the United States, provided that such talks take place in an atmosphere that is free from threats, coercion, and what he described as unreasonable expectations.
In a statement shared on X Today, Pezeshkian emphasized that any potential dialogue must be conducted on the basis of “dignity, wisdom, and expediency,” and strictly within the framework of Iran’s national interests. He made clear that negotiations would only be acceptable if they are fair, balanced, and respectful, reflecting long-standing principles of Iranian foreign policy.
The Iranian president said the directive was issued in response to requests from friendly regional governments, who have encouraged Tehran to consider engaging with Washington following what he referred to as a proposal by the US president. While no details of the proposal were disclosed, analysts believe it may relate to renewed diplomatic efforts to ease regional tensions and address unresolved nuclear and sanctions-related issues.
Relations between Tehran and Washington have remained strained for years, particularly since the US withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and the subsequent reimposition of sweeping sanctions on Iran. Although indirect talks have taken place intermittently, deep mistrust on both sides has prevented a comprehensive breakthrough.
International observers note that Pezeshkian’s remarks signal a cautious and conditional openness, rather than a major policy shift. Experts say Iran appears to be leaving the door open to diplomacy while seeking guarantees against pressure-driven negotiations and one-sided concessions.
So far, US officials have not publicly responded to Pezeshkian’s statement. Regional analysts argue that any future talks would face significant challenges, including domestic political resistance, unresolved sanctions, and broader security concerns in the Middle East.