Iran's president seeks fair and equitable negotiations with the United States

President Masoud Pezeshkian instructed his foreign minister to pursue "fair and equitable" negotiations with the United States, saying talks should occur in a suitable environment free from threats. The U.S. has not publicly confirmed such talks, while a U.S. envoy is traveling in the region and expected to meet Israeli officials this week.

President Masoud Pezeshkian announced he instructed the foreign minister to pursue "fair and equitable" negotiations with the United States. He said any talks should take place in a suitable environment, free from threats and unreasonable expectations and guided by dignity, prudence and expediency. The statement is the first clear sign from Tehran that it wants to try to negotiate amid high tensions after a recent domestic crackdown. Turkey has been reported to be working behind the scenes to help arrange talks. The United States has not publicly confirmed that negotiations will take place. Key details: - Pezeshkian publicly directed the foreign minister to pursue negotiations under specified conditions. - Ali Shamkhani, a senior adviser to the supreme leader, said talks would likely begin indirectly and focus on nuclear issues, with direct talks possible later if a deal appeared attainable. - A semiofficial Iranian outlet briefly reported the order and later deleted the report without explanation. - U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is traveling in the region and is expected to meet Israeli security officials this week; U.S. officials have not acknowledged confirmed talks. Summary: The announcement signals a potential opening for diplomatic engagement between Iran and the United States. Regional actors, including Turkey, are reported to be facilitating discussions and a U.S. envoy is meeting regional officials this week. Whether negotiations will proceed and if they will shift from indirect to direct talks is undetermined at this time.