Iran Opens Door for Fair Talks with US, Hedges on Defense Issues

World

Iran is prepared for the resumption of talks with the United States, but these should be fair and not include discussions about its defense capabilities, according to Iran’s chief diplomat. US President Donald Trump has announced plans to speak with Iran despite heightened tensions in recent weeks. One main demand from the US as a condition for resuming talks is curbing Iran’s missile program, which Iran rejects outright.

Speaking at a press conference in Istanbul after meetings with his Turkish counterpart, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that Iran was ready for “fair and equitable” negotiations but that no meetings with US officials were currently arranged. He emphasized that Iran’s defensive and missile capabilities, including its missiles, would never be subject to any negotiations.

Regional powers have been engaged in diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing a military conflict between the two countries. Speaking about his talks with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Araqchi indicated readiness for either negotiation or warfare. He also expressed willingness to engage with regional allies like Turkey, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia to promote stability and peace.

In response to US threats of military action over Iran’s crackdown on protests, Araqchi said Tehran was prepared for both negotiations and conflict. Fidan underscored that Turkey was open to playing a “facilitator” role between the sides and had held discussions with US special envoy Steve Witkoff on Thursday. Fidan also emphasized the importance of restarting nuclear negotiations to lift sanctions on Iran.

TURKISH ROLE IN MEDIATION

Turkey, as a NATO member bordering Iran, has been vocal in its support for dialogue and opposing any foreign intervention. Earlier this week, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan had spoken with Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian via phone, where he announced Turkey’s readiness to act as a mediator between the two countries.

While US officials have said Trump’s options remain open but has not decided on military action against Iran, Araqchi noted that protests in Iran have largely subsided. Israeli media reported that a US Navy destroyer had docked at an Israeli port, indicating ongoing tensions and potential for naval activity in the region.

US-Iranian nuclear negotiations have also been mentioned as a pathway to lifting sanctions on Iran, according to Fidan. He urged both parties to engage at the negotiating table to address issues “one by one” and promote peace and stability between the two nations.