US-Iran tensions: Tehran indicators readiness for talks amid Donald Trump’s stress; Pezeshkian requires ‘honest, equitable negotiations’ – The Occasions of India – Worldwide Dispatch

File photograph: US President Donald Trump (left) and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian (Image credit score: AP, ANI)

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday confirmed that he has ordered the beginning of talks with america, offered negotiations happen in an setting “free from threats and unreasonable expectations,” marking Tehran’s clearest sign but of willingness to re-engage diplomatically with Washington amid heightened regional tensions.“I’ve instructed my minister of international affairs, offered {that a} appropriate setting exists — one free from threats and unreasonable expectations — to pursue honest and equitable negotiations,” Pezeshkian mentioned in a submit on X, including that the transfer adopted requests “from pleasant governments”.Additional, he wrote, “These negotiations shall be performed throughout the framework of our nationwide pursuits.”Whereas Tehran has not formally confirmed the venue, an Arab official quoted by information company AFP mentioned that talks have been more likely to be held in Turkey on Friday following diplomatic interventions by Ankara, in addition to Egypt, Oman and Qatar.

US stress, navy indicators and Trump’s warning

The event comes as US President Donald Trump has warned that “unhealthy issues would occur” if a deal shouldn’t be reached, at the same time as he expressed hope that Washington and Tehran may “work one thing out.” The US has despatched an plane service strike group to the Center East following Iran’s violent crackdown on nationwide anti-government protests final month.“We now have talks happening with Iran… and if we may work one thing out, that’d be nice. And if we are able to’t, in all probability unhealthy issues would occur,” Trump mentioned, in response to AP.Since returning to the workplace, Trump has reinstated his “most stress” sanctions coverage on Iran, additional straining its financial system, AFP reported.

Iran’s purple strains and nuclear focus

Tehran has careworn that any talks should stay strictly centered on the nuclear subject, rejecting negotiations over its missile programme or defence capabilities. Earlier, Iranian international minister Abbas Araghchi instructed CNN that whereas Tehran had misplaced belief in Washington as a negotiating accomplice, a deal remained attainable.“So I see the opportunity of one other speak if the US negotiation staff follows what President Trump mentioned: to return to a good and equitable deal to make sure that there is no such thing as a nuclear weapons,” Araghchi mentioned.Ali Shamkhani, a prime adviser to Supreme Chief Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, advised talks may start not directly earlier than transferring to direct engagement if progress is made. “Iran doesn’t search nuclear weapons, is not going to search a nuclear weapon and can by no means stockpile nuclear weapons,” Shamkhani mentioned, in response to AP.

Iran’s response to protests and crackdown

The diplomatic opening follows weeks of unrest in Iran triggered by rising residing prices, which developed into nationwide anti-government protests. Iranian authorities have acknowledged over 3,000 deaths, claiming most have been safety personnel or bystanders, whereas a US-based NGO has put the demise toll at 6,854, largely protesters, AFP reported. Greater than 50,000 arrests have additionally been recorded.Supreme Chief Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has blamed the unrest on the US and Israel, likening it to a “coup” try and warning of a “regional battle” if Iran is attacked.

Regional mediation efforts intensify

Qatar mentioned diplomacy with Iran was persevering with “very intensively” alongside regional companions. UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash mentioned Iran wanted to succeed in a deal and “rebuild their relationship with america.”“I want to see direct Iranian-American negotiations resulting in understandings in order that we do not have these points each different day,” Gargash mentioned, as per AFP.Regardless of the diplomatic push, uncertainty stays over whether or not talks will materialise and whether or not the 2 sides can bridge long-standing distrust after final yr’s 12-day battle between Iran and Israel, which noticed US strikes on Iranian nuclear websites and retaliatory missile assaults by Tehran.