Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has ordered the start of nuclear negotiations with the United States, marking a pivotal shift in Tehran’s posture as rising regional tensions are matched by renewed diplomatic maneuvering.
The move comes as Donald Trump expressed hope for a new agreement with Iran, while simultaneously warning that “time is running out” and maintaining a reinforced U.S. military presence in the region, including the deployment of an aircraft carrier strike group.
Tehran has made clear that any talks must lead to the lifting of international sanctions. Iranian officials stress that the country will not negotiate under threats or ultimatums.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said a deal remains “possible” if pursued through diplomacy, noting that Iran’s position aligns with Trump’s stated objective of preventing Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons — but only through mutual respect and negotiations.
Iran’s leadership has repeatedly rejected coercive pressure. “Iran never accepts ultimatums,” officials said, underscoring that sanctions relief remains Tehran’s core demand.
Regional powers push for calm
Neighboring countries are intensifying mediation efforts, fearing that a U.S. strike on Iran could trigger a broader regional war.
Iran’s Supreme Leader has warned that any American attack would provoke a “regional war,” prompting diplomatic outreach to Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Egypt aimed at de-escalating the standoff and encouraging dialogue between Washington and Tehran.
Domestic crackdown and international fallout
The order to pursue talks comes against the backdrop of a deadly internal crackdown on nationwide anti-government protests.
Iranian authorities have acknowledged more than 3,000 deaths, while human rights groups estimate the toll is at least double that figure, with more than 40,000 people arrested.
In response to the crackdown, the European Union has designated Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization. Tehran retaliated by branding European armies as terrorist entities, further deepening the diplomatic rift between Iran and Western states.
As military posturing continues and domestic unrest simmers, diplomats say the path ahead remains perilously narrow balancing fragile negotiations against the risk of open conflict.
