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Iran's Supreme Leader Opens Door to Nuclear Talks with U.S.

After pressure from top officials, Ayatollah Khamenei agrees to negotiate with the U.S. amid economic turmoil and security threats.

By Farnaz FassihiSource: nytimes.com1 min read
Iran's Supreme Leader Opens Door to Nuclear Talks with U.S.
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In brief

Iran's leadership, facing economic collapse and potential military strikes, has convinced Supreme Leader Khamenei to explore nuclear negotiations with the U.S., signaling a significant shift in policy.

Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is shifting gears on nuclear negotiations with the U.S. Initially opposed, Khamenei's stance changed after urgent discussions with top Iranian officials, who expressed that persistent economic issues and escalating tensions posed an existential threat to the regime. They warned that failing to engage in talks could lead to military strikes on Iran's key nuclear facilities, risking war and domestic unrest. The Iranian economy is in crisis, with a plummeting currency and essential resource shortages, compelling leadership to consider direct negotiations with Washington to secure the country’s future.

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