Iran's president orders 'fair, equitable' talks with US

TEHRAN -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Tuesday he has ordered the country's foreign ministry to pursue "fair and equitable negotiations" with the United States.

He made the announcement in a post on social media platform X amid tensions between Iran and the United States in the wake of the US military buildup near Iran.

"I have instructed my Minister of Foreign Affairs (Seyed Abbas Araghchi), provided that a suitable environment exists -- one free from threats and unreasonable expectations -- to pursue fair and equitable negotiations, guided by the principles of dignity, prudence, and expediency," said Pezeshkian.

He noted that the decision was made in view of requests from "friendly governments in the region" to respond to the negotiation proposal by US President Donald Trump. Pezeshkian, however, stressed these negotiations "shall be conducted within the framework of our national interests."

US media outlet Axios cited a US official as saying on Monday that US president's special envoy Steve Witkoff and Araghchi are expected to hold a meeting in Istanbul on Friday to discuss a potential nuclear deal and other issues.

The Trump administration has deployed an aircraft carrier strike group and multiple warships to the Middle East, with the US president continuing to send warnings to Iran in an effort to force the country into striking a nuclear deal.

Iranian officials have warned that any military action against the country will receive a decisive response, while demonstrating openness to diplomacy.

Araghchi said on Sunday in an interview with CNN that a "just, fair, and equitable" nuclear agreement with the United States remains achievable, provided Washington abandons its policy of coercion.