Iran open to US talks if free of threats, says President Pezeshkian

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has directed the country's foreign ministry to move toward talks with the United States, provided negotiations take place in an atmosphere free of threats and undue pressure. In a series of posts on X on Tuesday, Pezeshkian confirmed he had instructed Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to respond to a US proposal for dialogue following outreach from what he described as "friendly governments in the region.Iranian state broadcaster Press TV reported that the diplomatic push comes as Washington's special envoy Steve Witkoff and Araghchi are expected to meet in Istanbul on Friday, signalling a possible opening after weeks of rising tensions.
Earlier,Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has reiterated that Tehran remains open to dialogue grounded in mutual respect but will not engage in negotiations under threats or coercion. Iranian state broadcaster Press TV reported that Araghchi made the remarks during a visit to the mausoleum of Imam Khomeini in southern Tehran. Araghchi said, Iran has always been ready for diplomacy on an equal footing, with mutual respect, and in pursuit of the interests of the Iranian nation. The foreign minister further emphasized Tehran’s position, stating that diplomacy is incompatible with pressure, threats, and intimidation.