Iran's President seeks fair and equitable negotiations with the U.S.

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian instructed the foreign minister to pursue fair and equitable negotiations with the United States, and regional actors including Turkey are reported to be working to arrange talks while the U.S. has not publicly confirmed them.

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian said he has instructed the foreign minister to pursue fair and equitable negotiations with the United States. The statement is the first clear sign from Tehran that it wants to try to negotiate as tensions remain high after a recent nationwide crackdown. Pezeshkian said the decision followed requests from friendly regional governments and that talks should occur in an environment free from threats and unreasonable expectations. Turkey is reported to be working to facilitate talks, and the United States has not publicly confirmed meetings. Key facts: - Pezeshkian instructed the foreign minister to pursue negotiations he described as fair and equitable and guided by dignity, prudence and expediency. - Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is reported to have supported the decision. - Turkey has offered to help arrange talks, and foreign ministers from Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were invited to attend if talks happen. - U.S. officials have not publicly confirmed the talks; Iranian advisers said any discussions would be focused on nuclear matters. Summary: The announcement marks a diplomatic opening amid sustained tensions and shows regional actors are engaged in arranging possible meetings. Undetermined at this time.