Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has announced that Iran will pursue negotiations with the United States following requests from “friendly governments in the region” to respond to a US proposal for talks.
In a statement on X, Pezeshkian said he instructed Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to engage in discussions “provided that a suitable environment exists one free from threats and unreasonable demands.” He emphasized that the talks would be conducted “within the framework of our national interests.”
The announcement comes shortly after Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that any attack on Iran could trigger a wider regional conflict.
US President Donald Trump has threatened intervention over Iran’s nuclear program and its harsh crackdown on protesters, while deploying additional military forces to the region. Speaking at the White House, Trump said he was open to a deal, stating that “if we can work something out, that would be great,” but cautioned that “bad things would happen” if negotiations fail.
The talks are scheduled to take place in Istanbul on Friday, according to US media reports. Araghchi previously stated he is “confident that we can achieve a deal.”
Tensions have escalated after last year’s US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, known as Operation Midnight Hammer, which followed Israeli operations targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and personnel. Trump highlighted that the US has deployed a “tremendous force” to the region, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln with its air wing of around 70 aircraft.
The announcement comes amid widespread domestic unrest in Iran. Authorities have reported 3,117 deaths during recent protests, although human rights groups estimate significantly higher figures. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) has confirmed 6,430 deaths, including 152 children and 214 government-affiliated individuals, with investigations ongoing into another 11,280 cases. Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) suggests the final toll could exceed 25,000.
The protests, initially driven by economic grievances, evolved into broader demands for political reform. Reuters reports that Iranian officials have told Khamenei that public anger has reached a level where fear is no longer a deterrent.