Iran Signals Cautious Openness to U.S. Talks, Insists on Sanctions Relief

TEHRAN (Iran News) Speaking at a weekly press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Iran is currently in a phase of “assessment and decision-making” regarding any future diplomatic process with Washington. He noted that regional countries, concerned about rising tensions, are actively and sincerely playing a mediating role, unlike European states which he accused of fueling escalation.

“Various points have been exchanged through intermediaries, and we are examining different dimensions of a diplomatic track that we hope could eventually yield results,” Baghaei said, adding that details related to the format, framework, and implementation are still under review.

Responding to questions about recent statements by U.S. officials and media speculation about renewed negotiations, Baghaei said Iran’s caution is rooted in “a decade of repeated experiences of bad faith, deception, and broken promises by the United States,” culminating in Washington’s unilateral actions in recent years.

He stressed that diplomacy cannot coexist with threats, warning that U.S. military pressure and regional deployments violate fundamental principles of international law, particularly the prohibition on the use of force.

“Iran has already proven its commitment to diplomacy,” he said. “It is the other side that must now prove its seriousness.”

Baghaei firmly rejected claims circulating in some media that Iran’s objectives have shifted from sanctions relief to merely “avoiding war.”

“This interpretation is incorrect,” he said. “The lifting of sanctions is an essential priority for Iran and will remain so in any diplomatic engagement.”

He clarified that any potential talks would focus on the nuclear issue, which Iran says has been used as a pretext for sanctions and pressure. In return for confidence-building measures regarding the peaceful nature of its nuclear program, Iran expects the removal of what it calls “unjust and illegal sanctions” imposed on its people.

The spokesperson highlighted intensive diplomatic contacts in recent days, including calls between Iran’s president and regional leaders, frequent consultations by the foreign minister with counterparts in neighboring countries, and visits to Turkey and Russia.

According to Baghaei, a shared understanding is emerging among regional states that any military escalation against Iran would have consequences far beyond its borders.

“Iran believes regional countries are fully aware that insecurity is contagious,” he said, urging them not to allow third parties to exploit regional issues for destabilizing agendas.

He also addressed reports attributed to Saudi officials regarding possible U.S. military action, saying Tehran maintains close and ongoing communication with Riyadh and does not base its assessments on media speculation alone.

Baghaei sharply criticized the European Union’s recent actions targeting Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), calling them “illegal, unjustified, and a serious strategic miscalculation.”

He said Iran has summoned all European ambassadors in Tehran and delivered formal written protests, while additional countermeasures are under review and will be decided in the coming days.

Describing the IRGC as a pillar of regional security, especially in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, Baghaei accused European policymakers of acting to appease Israel and the United States.

The spokesperson also condemned what he described as intensified Israeli attacks in Gaza and Lebanon, accusing Israel of violating ceasefire understandings and international law. He said the reopening of the Rafah crossing has again been used to advance forced displacement of Palestinians.

Baghaei called on the United Nations, the Security Council, and the UN secretary-general to take responsibility for ending what he described as Israel’s “impunity.”

Addressing rumors about canceled joint military drills involving Iran, Russia, and China, Baghaei said no changes have occurred. He confirmed that annual naval exercises in the northern Indian Ocean and routine IRGC drills are proceeding as planned.

“These exercises are defensive, professional, and aimed at maintaining readiness,” he said.

Finally, Baghaei emphasized that time is a crucial factor for Iran in any potential negotiations.

“Every single day that sanctions are lifted or reduced sooner is a gain for Iran,” he said. “We will move forward with both caution and urgency.”

He added that Iran hopes to provide more clarity on the next steps in the coming days as internal deliberations continue.