Iran ‘ready’ for direct talks with the US

TEHRAN: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed his country’s willingness to engage in direct talks with the United States (US) on Saturday.

The Iranian head of state stressed the need for discussions to be based on “equality”, with the US President Donald Trump having threatened the Middle Eastern state in the past of ‘consequences’ if it failed to comply with the US demands.

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His remarks come in response to recent overtures from the US regarding potential diplomatic engagement. In March 2025, several media outlets reported a UAE official delivering a letter to Iran from the US President.

While the White House did not disclose the letter’s contents, Iran’s United Nations (UN) mission showed inclination to discuss concerns expressed in the letter.

Later, it was revealed that the Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed the letter from letter, as it proposed negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme. Khomenei went so far as to label the letter as “deception of public opinion”.

The Supreme Leader declared that Iran was not seeking nuclear weapons, however, it will respond to any escalation from the US or Israel.

Meanwhile, Iranian president questioned the rationale behind the US administration’s simultaneous threats while proposing dialogue. “If the US wants to hold talks, what is the justification for threats?” he asked.

Pezeshkian pointed out the contradiction between the US threatening posture and its calls for negotiations, suggesting that such an approach undermines the possibility of constructive dialogue.

He further criticised the US stance, stating that it not only humiliates Iran but also disrespects the global community. “On one hand, there are threats, on the other hand, there is talk of talks”, he remarked.

While former Democratic President Joe Biden maintained a more neutral stance when it came to Iran and Israel, Donald Trump has consistently aligned with Israel. In his first tenure, he recognised Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, sending shockwaves and anger across the world.

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He also pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal in 2018 inked under Barack Obama, which Israel has vociferously opposed. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, as formally called, ensured Iran complying with limiting its nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief.

Since his second term, Trump revoked sales of arms to Israel that Biden had delayed, following the latter’s atrocities in Gaza that has killed 50,000 Palestinians to date. Trump also reversed US sanctions on Israeli settlers in occupied Palestinian territories.