Iran is prepared to engage in dialogue only if the United States ceases its "excessive demands" and language of threats, the Iranian Foreign Ministry has announced. The stance was detailed in a report by Press TV and carried by Anadolu Agency.
The position was clarified by Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi during a high-level meeting in Turkey on Friday (May 1). The meeting included foreign ministers from Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iraq, and Azerbaijan.
Readiness for Defense and Diplomacy
Minister Araghchi emphasized that while Iran did not initiate the current conflict, it remains fully prepared to respond should the U.S. violate the ceasefire and resume attacks. Despite this, he noted that Tehran prefers to resolve differences through diplomatic channels.
"Iran is ready to return to the negotiating table to reach a permanent agreement," Araghchi stated. "However, for this to happen, the United States must stop its provocations and threats."
Background of the Conflict
The current military standoff began on February 28, when U.S. and Israeli forces launched operations in Iran. Following 40 days of intense conflict, a ceasefire was declared on April 8.
Diplomatic efforts briefly moved to Islamabad on April 11 for peace talks between representatives of both nations. However, those sessions concluded without a signed agreement or a formal consensus.
Deadlock in Negotiations
Iran had previously proposed a three-stage plan to de-escalate tensions and pave the way for a new deal. This proposal was rejected by U.S. President Donald Trump.
While Iran’s latest statement hints at a potential return to the table, the situation remains highly uncertain as Washington has yet to respond to the demand for a cessation of threats.
