Unexpected development: U.S. and Iran move closer to direct nuclear talks

In a surprising shift, Iran has sent a message outlining its conditions for negotiations over its nuclear program.

According to reports in Arab media, a senior official in the office of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei revealed that President Masoud Pezeshkian has submitted the government’s official response to a letter sent by President Donald Trump to Tehran, proposing a renewal of nuclear negotiations.

The Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Jarida reported that, before drafting the response, Pezeshkian consulted with the heads of Iran’s three branches of government, the Supreme National Security Council, and other key figures. The source noted that Iran’s Foreign Ministry would deliver the reply to Washington—either through official diplomatic channels or via a mediator.

The source further stated that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had informed a Gulf Arab counterpart that Iran has expressed willingness to participate in either public or secret talks with Washington—provided that the U.S. offers guarantees regarding the lifting of sanctions, adheres to any agreement reached, and refrains from withdrawing from it, as Trump did when he exited the 2015 nuclear accord two years after it was signed.

The report also indicated that Tehran is demanding negotiations take place without economic pressure or threats. Iran has also refused to discuss what it calls its "defensive program"—a reference widely interpreted as its missile and military capabilities.

Should Trump demonstrate genuine intent to resolve the disputes, Iran would reportedly be open to a U.S.-Iran summit. Moreover, the country would not oppose American companies investing in Iran, as long as such activities comply with local laws.