Iran Open to Negotiations with the US Amid Tensions

Wed Feb 04 2026 03:36:54 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Following a series of threats from the US, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announces willingness to enter talks contingent on a suitable environment.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has stated that the country is ready to engage in negotiations with the US after being encouraged by regional allies to respond to a US proposal. He emphasized that talks should occur in a threat-free environment, while tensions remain high due to US military movements and protests within Iran. The upcoming negotiations are reportedly set to take place in Istanbul.

Iran Open to Negotiations with the US Amid Tensions

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 said 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 remarks come after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that any military assault on Iran would lead to a regional conflict.

US President Donald Trump has issued threats of intervention regarding Iran's nuclear ambitions and the country’s crackdown on protests, while amassing military forces in the area.

'These negotiations shall be conducted within the framework of our national interests,' Pezeshkian added.

The forthcoming discussions are expected to take place in Istanbul on Friday, according to US media reports.

Pezeshkian's announcement follows an interview with Araghchi in which he expressed confidence in achieving a deal.

Trump remarked that any positive development in talks would be welcomed, but warned that 'bad things would happen' if negotiations do not progress.

In the previous year, the US executed targeted strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites during 'Operation Midnight Hammer' in response to an Israeli operation against Iranian nuclear infrastructure.

The US military buildup includes the deployment of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, which carries approximately 70 aircraft.

The tensions were exacerbated by a violent crackdown on protests within Iran; Iranian authorities reported initial casualty figures of over 3,100 killed during unrest, though independent groups estimate the actual number to be significantly larger.

The widespread protests were primarily fueled by economic frustrations, escalating into calls for political reform. Iranian officials have indicated to Khamenei that public discontent has grown to the point where fear is no longer a deterrent.