Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Monday that Iran is open to reaching an agreement with the United States in ongoing indirect talks, provided that the country's national interests are preserved.
During a meeting in Tehran, Pezeshkian expressed readiness for an agreement within a defined framework while ensuring Iran's national interests. However, he warned that if U.S. representatives refuse to negotiate on equal terms, Iran will continue on its own path.
The president noted that, as previously stated by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran remains neither optimistic nor pessimistic about the negotiations. He reiterated that Tehran does not seek conflict but will resist any attempt at coercion, emphasizing that Iran will not tolerate pressure or bullying.
His comments followed the second round of indirect talks between Iran and the United States, held in Rome on Saturday with mediation from Oman. The first round took place in Muscat on April 12, and a third session is scheduled to be held in the Omani capital again this coming Saturday.
At a weekly news conference in Tehran, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said the removal of U.S. sanctions remained Iran's principal demand in the negotiations.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump described the recent talks as "very good." Speaking to reporters over the weekend, Trump said, "We had very good meetings actually on Iran," adding, "The next step is we need a little time."
The discussions came in the wake of a letter sent by Trump to Iran's leadership in early March, proposing talks on Tehran's nuclear program. Trump later warned of military action should Iran reject his offer for talks.
Iran signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with six world powers -- Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia, and the United States -- in 2015. Under the deal, Tehran agreed to curb its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.
The United States, led by Trump during his first term, unilaterally withdrew from the accord in 2018 and reimposed sanctions, prompting Iran to gradually reduce compliance with its nuclear commitments. Efforts to revive the agreement have not achieved substantial progress.
Iran ready for deal with US if national interests respected: president
Iran ready for deal with US if national interests respected: president
Iran ready for deal with US if national interests respected: president
