Iran's President Gives Major Update on Nuclear Talks
Newsweek has reached out to the U.S. State Department for comment.
Iran's president signaled a more diplomatic tone amid heightened tensions and distrust over nuclear negotiations weeks after both Israel and the United States launched strikes aimed at ending Iran's nuclear program. His remarks suggest Iran is looking to ease international pressure and avoid escalation.
Resuming talks is key to enabling verification of Iran's nuclear program after it suspended its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) following the Israeli and U.S. strikes on its nuclear facilities.
Pezeshkian, in a message to Iranians living abroad, said his government was determined to follow a diplomatic solution.
"The path ahead is clear for us, and the government will spare no effort in opening diplomatic doors and expanding horizons," Pezeshkian said.
"We still believe that the window for diplomacy is open, and we are pursuing this peaceful path with determination and by mobilizing all political capacities," he said, according to the presidential website.
Pezeshkian emphasized that his administration would "utilize all political and diplomatic resources" to prevent war, while continuing to defend what he described as the "natural rights of the Iranian people."
Prospects for talks following Israel's 12-day bombing campaign and the U.S. strikes on three nuclear facilities last month have been in doubt given skepticism on all three sides and worries about renewed hostilities.
Pezeshkian, in an interview with Tucker Carlson last week, said he believed U.S.-Iran tension could be resolved through talks but warned that a lack of trust remained a key obstacle.
"While we were negotiating in good faith at the request of the U.S., Netanyahu dropped bombs - literally - on diplomacy. Israel torpedoed the talks and killed peace. The world should remember who derailed the process," he said.
Despite significant damage to Iranian nuclear sites, it is not clear if key facilities have been put out of action. Iran says it continues to enrich uranium and develop advanced centrifuges, maintaining its nuclear ambitions.
Iran has rejected a U.S. demand that it cut its uranium enrichment activity to zero and has called for the lifting of sanctions. It has also demanded compensation for damage caused by the U.S. bombing.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian: "To open new horizons, we must critically reflect on the past. What leads us toward a better future is the reconstruction of hope, readiness to learn, change, and create a new path through consensus, solidarity, and rationality."
President Donald Trump said during a White House dinner with Israel's leader Benjamin Netanyahu last week: "They want to meet. They want to work something out. They're very different now than they were two weeks ago."
No date has been set for the resumption of nuclear talks with the U.S. and Iran's military has warned against any more attacks.
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