Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announced today via social media that he has instructed his Foreign Minister to conduct negotiations in response to the United States’ proposal for talks, in line with requests from friendly governments in the region.
In his statement shared on social media, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said:
“In light of the requests from friendly governments in the region to respond to the proposal for negotiations put forward by the President of the United States, and provided that appropriate conditions exist, I have instructed my Foreign Minister to conduct fair and just negotiations based on the principles of dignity, wisdom, and expediency, free from threats and unreasonable demands. These negotiations will be carried out within the framework of our national interests.”
It had been reported that U.S. President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, would meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Istanbul on Friday, February 6, to discuss a potential nuclear agreement.
First Meeting Since June 2025
This meeting will mark the first face-to-face encounter between U.S. and Iranian officials since the 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel in June 2025.
Speaking yesterday in Tehran at the mausoleum of Ayatollah Khomeini on the occasion of the 47th anniversary of the Iranian Revolution, Araghchi stated that Iran is ready for diplomacy, saying:
“However, diplomacy is not compatible with pressure, intimidation, and the use of force. We hope its results will become apparent soon.”