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Iran Signals Readiness for U.S. Talks as Istanbul Floated for First Meeting

The proposal comes under heavy military pressure, with analysts warning Tehran may be buying time to rebuild.

Overview

  • President Masoud Pezeshkian instructed Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to seek “fair and equitable” negotiations contingent on a non-threatening environment.
  • U.S. media report Istanbul as a possible venue as soon as Friday, though no official schedule has been announced.
  • Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that any U.S. attack would trigger a regional war, reinforcing Tehran’s deterrent posture.
  • Washington has toughened its stance by reinforcing Gulf forces, including the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group, and is pressing Iran to halt enrichment, curb ballistic missiles, and stop backing regional proxies.
  • Assessments from ISW and nuclear experts say Iran is rebuilding and hardening facilities, such as at Taleghan 2, while Russia’s Duma has stated it will not send troops to defend Iran.