Iran's president instructs foreign minister to pursue talks with US

Iran's leadership has taken a formal step toward potential diplomatic engagement with the United States, amid a volatile backdrop of military threats and regional mediation. President Masoud Pezeshkian announced on Tuesday that he has instructed Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to pursue "fair and equitable negotiations" grounded in the principles of "dignity, prudence, and expediency." The directive was issued in response to requests from friendly regional governments and a proposal from US President Donald Trump, indicating a carefully calculated opening rather than an unconditional acceptance of talks.

Conditional framework for potential dialogue

President Pezeshkian's statement set clear preconditions for any diplomatic process. He stressed that negotiations would require a "suitable environment" devoid of threats and "unreasonable expectations," framing the talks as a matter of national interest. This language underscores Tehran's consistent position that it will not negotiate under direct military pressure, particularly as a US naval fleet steams toward the region. The announcement follows earlier, unconfirmed Iranian media reports that nuclear negotiations, stalled since the June 2025 war with Israel, could soon resume, potentially at the foreign minister level.

Regional mediation and Türkiye's pivotal role

The movement toward talks is largely driven by intense shuttle diplomacy from key regional actors. Türkiye, alongside other nations, has been actively working to lower tensions and facilitate communication between Tehran and Washington. Reports suggest a potential meeting between Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi and US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff is being organized, with Istanbul mentioned as a possible venue for Friday. This highlights Türkiye's established and crucial role as a neutral mediator trusted by both sides, capable of hosting sensitive talks that might be politically difficult to hold in either capital.

Navigating between military threats and diplomatic openings

The diplomatic feelers emerge simultaneously with a significant US military buildup, creating a high-stakes environment. President Trump's combination of deploying a naval armada while proposing talks represents a classic pressure strategy. Iran's response—authorizing negotiations but demanding a threat-free environment—tests whether a diplomatic off-ramp can be found before a potential confrontation. For observers in Türkiye and across the region, this delicate dance between saber-rattling and diplomacy will determine whether the current crisis can be channeled into a sustained dialogue or if it will escalate into a broader conflict with devastating regional consequences.