The Iranian president, who just a few days ago was accused of provoking unrest and attempting to “tear this country apart,” is now adopting a more conciliatory tone regarding discussions about its nuclear program, following a warning from Trump.
Trump stated at the White House on Monday that the U.S. is and that he would “like to see a deal negotiated.”
“And if we can reach an agreement, that would be excellent,” Trump further said. “And if we can’t, probably some bad things would occur.”
Masoud Pezeshkian and wrote, “In response to requests from friendly governments in the region to reply to the proposal of the U.S. President for negotiations: I have directed my Minister of Foreign Affairs, provided that a suitable environment exists – one free from threats and unreasonable expectations – to engage in fair and just negotiations, guided by the principles of dignity, prudence, and expediency.”
“These negotiations will be carried out within the framework of our national interests,” Pezeshkian also mentioned.
Axios has reported that U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff will meet Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Istanbul on Friday. However, a source familiar with the situation told on Tuesday that Iran wishes to move the discussions to Oman.
Pezeshkian told state television on Saturday that Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and European leaders “capitalized on our problems, provoked, and were seeking – and still seek – to fragment society,” as reported by Reuters.
“They incited people to take to the streets and, as they put it, wanted to tear this country apart, to sow conflict and hatred among the people and create divisions,” Pezeshkian was reported to have added about the anti – government protests and the deadly crackdown that recently swept through Iran. “Everyone knows that the issue was not merely a social protest.”
Then in a on Tuesday, Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said, “The United States wants to devour Iran; the Iranian nation and the Islamic Republic prevent this,” and, “Iran stands firm and will continue to stand firm, and – God willing – will put an end to the United States’ misdeeds and harassment.”
“The recent sedition was orchestrated by Zionists & the US. I was informed through a certain channel that the CIA & Mossad deployed all their resources in the field!” Khamenei also claimed, without presenting any evidence.
that “time is running out for Iran.”
In a Truth Social post last Wednesday, Trump wrote, “A massive Armada is heading towards Iran.”
“It is moving rapidly, with great power, enthusiasm, and purpose. It is a larger fleet, led by the great Aircraft Carrier Abraham Lincoln, than the one sent to Venezuela. Similar to the situation in Venezuela, it is ready, willing, and capable of quickly fulfilling its mission, with speed and force if necessary. Hopefully, Iran will quickly ‘Come to the Table’ and negotiate a fair and just deal – NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS – one that benefits all parties. Time is running out; it is truly crucial!” the president warned.