Abbas Araghchi suggests nuclear programme negotiations could begin imminently, as American forces amass in region
Iran’s top diplomat has said the government is ready for negotiations with the US as the two countries reportedly prepared to send top envoys to Istanbul for high-stakes talks on the Iranian nuclear programme later this week.
As US warships and aircraft have amassed in the region for a potential strike on Iran, the country’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, suggested that talks could take place imminently. Donald Trump on Saturday said Iranians were “seriously talking to us” as he hinted at a deal to avert military strikes against Tehran.
Speaking during a visit to the shrine of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, Araghchi said: “[Iran’s enemies] are talking about diplomacy today, even though Iran has always been ready for this option, provided there is mutual respect and consideration of interests.”
Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency reported on Monday that the Iranian president, Masoud Pezeshkian, had ordered the start of nuclear talks with the US, as Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to arrive in the region for talks in Israel with the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.
