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 indicated he instructed Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to pursue talks 'provided that a suitable environment exists - one free from threats and unreasonable expectations'. The Iranian president's words follow a warning from Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that any attack on Iran could trigger regional conflict.

US President Donald Trump has expressed concerns about Iran's nuclear ambitions and the crackdown on protesters, intensifying tensions with a military buildup nearby. 'These negotiations shall be conducted within the framework of our national interests,' Pezeshkian stated. Talks are expected to be held in Istanbul on Friday. This announcement aligns with Araghchi's interview, where he expressed confidence in reaching an agreement.

Trump acknowledged the potential for negotiations but cautioned about 'bad things happening' if they fail. The US had previously undertaken targeted strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, leading to heightened military readiness, including the deployment of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. Additionally, the crackdown on protests in Iran, which has resulted in numerous fatalities, underscores the urgency of the political situation in the country. Reports suggest that Iranian authorities face an increasingly agitated public, with fear diminishing as a deterrent.