In a significant development on the international political scene, a high-ranking Iranian government source revealed that President Masoud Pezeshkian has issued explicit orders to begin a new round of talks with the United States . This move comes at a critical juncture for the Middle East, as Tehran seeks to break the deadlock surrounding its nuclear program and de-escalate rising tensions.
Details of the upcoming meeting in Istanbul
The Fars News Agency quoted a government source confirming that Tehran and Washington are preparing for serious talks on the nuclear issue, a claim corroborated by the state-run Iran newspaper and the reformist Shargh newspaper. Providing more specific details about the mechanisms of this dialogue, the American news website Axios, citing informed sources, revealed arrangements for a high-level meeting to be held next Friday in Istanbul, Turkey .
This meeting is expected to bring together Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and US envoy Steve Wittkopf to discuss a possible agreement that addresses Western concerns about Tehran's nuclear program and paves the way for lifting the economic sanctions that are burdening the Iranian economy.
Historical context and economic pressures
This Iranian move comes in the context of a complex historical relationship between the two countries, as the nuclear agreement (JCPOA) has suffered a major setback since the unilateral US withdrawal from it in 2018. Since President Pezeshkian took office, his administration has shown greater flexibility towards diplomatic openness, trying to balance preserving national principles with achieving a necessary economic breakthrough.
Observers believe that the return to the negotiating table reflects the desire of both sides to avoid scenarios of military escalation, especially in light of reports that speak of Iran developing its nuclear capabilities, which Tehran constantly denies, emphasizing the peaceful nature of its program.
Between diplomacy and the threat of force
These diplomatic arrangements are taking place amid a tense atmosphere, with Washington, and specifically President Donald Trump, threatening the use of military force and deploying naval vessels and an aircraft carrier to the region. This escalation coincides with recent internal unrest in Iran.
Despite the threatening rhetoric, Trump left the door open to negotiations, expressing his hope for a new agreement. In contrast, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned that any American attack could ignite a wider regional war, emphasizing his country's readiness for a harsh response.
The official Iranian position: No to ultimatums
In preparation for the talks, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei confirmed that his country is currently finalizing the mechanism and framework for negotiations. Baghaei emphasized that Tehran "never accepts the language of ultimatums," denying that it had received any messages containing specific deadlines, and indicating that the coming days would see the details of the diplomatic process through which Tehran aims to protect its national interests and avoid international isolation.
