Iran and US Head to Negotiations, Main Focus: Sanctions Lifting
Iran has signaled the reopening of diplomatic channels with the US. Tehran said negotiations on a new nuclear deal could begin in the next few days, as part of an effort to contain an escalation that had come close to open conflict.
Iranian media reported that President Masoud Pezeshkian had ordered the start of negotiations with Washington "within the framework of the nuclear issue." The initial talks are said to involve senior figures, including US envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Araghchi emphasized that Iran is ready for diplomacy but rejects an approach accompanied by threats and pressure.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said several Middle Eastern countries are acting as intermediaries for the Iran-US exchange of messages. He emphasized that Iran's priority is the lifting of sanctions, while the details of the meeting—the time, location, and scope of issues such as uranium enrichment—are still pending.
This effort comes amid heightened tensions after Donald Trump renewed threats of military action if a new agreement is not reached. At the same time, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei warned of the potential for a "regional war" if Iran were attacked, and Tehran has previously stated it will retaliate—including targeting Israel and US bases in the region.
The market is also reading this de-escalation trend. Oil prices weakened on Monday, while regional diplomatic activity intensified—Iran was reportedly in intense communication with several countries. Meanwhile, Japanese media reports indicated that President Mohamed bin Zayed canceled a planned visit to Japan due to escalating tensions, indicating that the issue has begun to disrupt official agendas and cross-border business. (alg)
Source: Newsmaker.id
