Iran's president calls US nuclear talks 'a step forward,' reaffirms dialogue strategy

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated on Sunday that indirect diplomatic talks held between Iran and the United States mark "a step forward" and reflect Tehran's strategic preference for dialogue to achieve peaceful solutions. In a post on the social media platform X, Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran’s nuclear policy is anchored in the rights assured by the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Dialogue as a Strategic Choice

President Pezeshkian reiterated that dialogue has consistently been Iran’s chosen method for resolving international disputes. "We respond to respect with respect but do not accept the language of force," he wrote, signaling Tehran’s conditional openness to diplomacy while rejecting coercive pressure. The remarks follow the resumption of indirect nuclear negotiations between Iranian and U.S. officials on Friday, after a period of escalated tensions prompted by U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats of military action against Iran.

Foreign Minister's Assessment and Conditions

Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi characterized the talks as a "good start" and indicated that further engagement depends on overcoming mutual distrust. Araghchi confirmed that both sides agreed to continue the diplomatic process, with future meetings potentially taking place in Muscat, Oman. He also firmly stated that Iran’s missile program is not negotiable, describing it as a defensive capability essential to national security.

Context of Renewed Diplomacy

The indirect talks, facilitated by regional actors, represent an attempt to de-escalate tensions and explore pathways to address longstanding disagreements over Iran's nuclear activities. The diplomatic engagement occurs within a fragile regional environment, where military posturing and security concerns have frequently disrupted earlier negotiation efforts. Pezeshkian’s public endorsement of the talks suggests a willingness within the Iranian leadership to explore diplomatic avenues, provided discussions are conducted on the basis of mutual respect and within established legal frameworks.