Iran Open to Negotiations with the US Amid Regional Tensions

Tue Feb 03 2026 20:27:56 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expresses readiness to engage in talks with the United States, stressing the need for a safe and respectful environment for negotiations.

In a recent announcement, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian revealed that Iran is willing to negotiate with the United States following requests from allied governments. The talks are contingent on a peaceful environment free from threats. Pezeshkian emphasized that negotiations would align with Iran's national interests, amidst rising tensions with the US, particularly related to nuclear ambitions and civil protests. The discussions are expected to happen in Istanbul soon.

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 directed Iran's Minister of Foreign Affairs Abbas Araghchi to pursue talks provided that a suitable environment exists - one free from threats and unreasonable expectations.

This announcement comes after Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that any attacks on Iran could lead to a regional conflict.

US President Donald Trump has threatened intervention over Iran's nuclear ambitions and its deadly crackdown on protesters, increasing US military presence in the region.

Pezeshkian emphasized that all negotiations must align with Iran's national interests, with talks set to take place in Istanbul soon.

Pezeshkian's announcement follows an optimistic statement from Araghchi during an interview with CNN, where he expressed confidence in reaching an agreement.

Trump reiterated the importance of reaching a deal, warning of severe consequences if negotiations falter. He previously ordered targeted strikes on Iranian nuclear sites as tensions escalated following a violent crackdown on protests in Iran.

According to reports, the protests were driven by economic hardships but turned into demands for political reform, resulting in a significant death toll during clashes with security forces.