Iran signals return to nuclear talks with US as tensions ease

Iran says it will negotiate with US as pressure, warnings rise

Iran says it expects progress within days on a framework to restart nuclear talks with the United States, raising the prospect of renewed diplomacy after weeks of mounting military tension in the Middle East.

Tehran said on Monday it is reviewing proposals put forward by regional countries to help bridge gaps with Washington, adding that indirect contacts are already underway. The remarks come as both sides appear to be stepping back from the brink of confrontation, despite a recent show of US military force in the region.

“Countries of the region are acting as mediators in the exchange of messages,” Esmaeil Baghaei, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman, said. “Several points have been addressed, and we are examining and finalising the details of each stage in the diplomatic process, which we hope to conclude in the coming days.”

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The renewed diplomatic push follows months of strain. Donald Trump, the United States president, ordered warships to the Middle East in January after Iran violently suppressed mass protests, before later urging Tehran to strike a deal and revive talks on its nuclear programme. Those negotiations collapsed in June after Iran was attacked by the United States and Israel.

On Sunday, Trump said Washington was in talks with Tehran, a claim now partially confirmed by Iranian officials, who say the discussions are indirect and mediated by regional powers. Iran’s state media reported that Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister, has held calls with counterparts in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkiye to discuss the latest developments.

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Unverified reports from Tehran suggest Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran’s president, has ordered the resumption of nuclear negotiations. The semi-official Fars news agency quoted an unnamed source as saying Iran and the United States would hold talks on the nuclear file, though no date was given, and neither side has confirmed a meeting.

The diplomatic signals come as US military assets, including an aircraft carrier and fighter jets, remain positioned in the Indian Ocean, close enough to support a potential strike, keeping regional nerves on edge.

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While Iran has indicated willingness to re-engage on the nuclear issue, significant obstacles remain. Iranian sources told Reuters that Washington has set tough conditions, including demands that Iran end uranium enrichment, curb its missile programme and halt support for allied armed groups across the region. Tehran has historically treated its missile capabilities and regional alliances as non-negotiable, even as it has shown flexibility on nuclear limits.

Whether Iran is now prepared to soften that stance is unclear. The country is under growing economic pressure and is seeking sanctions relief to stabilise the economy and reduce the risk of further unrest, making the coming days a critical test of whether cautious diplomatic signals can turn into formal talks.

Faith Omoboye is a foreign affairs correspondent with background in History and International relations. Her work focuses on African politics, diplomacy, and global governance.

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