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 stated he had instructed 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 announcement follows a warning from the country's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that any attack on Iran would spark a regional conflict.
US President Trump has threatened intervention in Iran over its nuclear ambitions and its deadly crackdown on protesters, increasing military presence in the vicinity.
Pezeshkian emphasized, 'These negotiations shall be conducted within the framework of our national interests'. The discussions are reportedly scheduled to take place in Istanbul on Friday.
Following an interview with Araghchi, who expressed confidence in achieving a deal, Trump remarked that 'if we can work something out' it would be beneficial, but warned of severe consequences otherwise.
The backdrop to these negotiations includes targeted strikes from the US and Israel on Iran's nuclear facilities in a dramatic escalation of tensions, and a violent crackdown by Iranian security forces on protesters, which has resulted in many casualties.
Reportedly, Iranian officials disclosed that public anger following the protests has reached such a point that fear no longer serves as a deterrent.
