Iran has stated that it is willing to engage in talks with the United States, but only if negotiations are conducted without coercion and do not include discussions on Iran’s missile program, as diplomats work to prevent a regional conflict.
After meetings with Turkish diplomats on Friday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the country is “ready to begin negotiations if they are based on equality, mutual interests, and reciprocal respect,” according to The Guardian.
Araghchi emphasized that there are no immediate plans to meet U.S. officials and added, “I want to state firmly that Iran’s defensive and missile capabilities will never be a subject for discussion.”
The top Iranian diplomat further asserted: “The Islamic Republic of Iran, just as it is ready for talks, is also ready for war.”
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed hope on Thursday to avoid military action, indicating that talks with Iran remain possible. However, Washington deployed an additional warship to the Middle East to join the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group and other missile-armed vessels.
Speaking at the premiere of a documentary by his wife Melania Trump, the president stated that Iran must do “two things” to prevent U.S. military action: no nuclear weapons and an end to the killing of protesters.
Iran has blamed the United States and Israel for fueling protests that began in late December due to economic hardships and were violently suppressed by authorities. Activist groups estimate up to 30,000 people may have been killed during the crackdown.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized that restarting nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington is “vital for reducing regional tensions,” noting that Iran is provoking the U.S. toward possible military action and urging Washington not to allow such a scenario.
During a phone call with Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said he is willing to act as a mediator between Iran and the United States.
