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Iran Orders Start of Nuclear Talks with US Amid Rising Tensions
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has ordered the start of nuclear negotiations with the US, with both sides signaling interest in diplomacy despite heightened regional tensions.
ND
by News Desk
2026-02-02
Iran Orders Start of Nuclear Talks with US Amid Rising Tensions

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has ordered the initiation of nuclear negotiations with the United States, according to the Iranian news agency Fars. The development comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East following anti-government protests in Iran and US military posturing.

The Fars report, citing an unnamed government source, stated that talks would be “strictly within the framework of the nuclear issue,” without specifying a date. The news was also published by Iran’s official newspaper and the reformist Shargh daily.

Iranian authorities said earlier on Monday that they were finalising a framework and method for the negotiations, with messages between the two sides relayed through regional intermediaries. “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,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei, without elaborating on the content of the talks.

The announcement comes as US President Donald Trump threatened military action and deployed an aircraft carrier group to the region, while also maintaining hopes of reaching a nuclear deal with Tehran. Baqaei stressed that Iran “never accepts ultimatums” and could not confirm any direct message from Trump.

Regional players have been pushing for diplomacy to avoid escalation. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi recently visited Turkey and held calls with his counterparts in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. Speaking to CNN, Araghchi said, “President Trump said no nuclear weapons, and we fully agree. That could be a very good deal. In return, we expect sanctions lifting. So, that deal is possible.”

Baqaei added that neighbouring states’ support for a diplomatic solution reflects widespread concern that any US attack could trigger a larger regional conflict. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that a US strike would lead to a “regional war.”

The Iranian leadership has also linked the recent unrest in the country to a “coup” attempt, describing the protests in early January—which were sparked by economic strain—as “riots” allegedly inflamed by foreign adversaries, including the United States and Israel. Authorities acknowledged thousands of deaths during the protests and published the names of 2,986 individuals killed, stating that most were security personnel and bystanders affected by “terrorist acts.”

With both sides signaling willingness to engage diplomatically while maintaining firm stances on security, the upcoming nuclear talks could play a critical role in determining the trajectory of US–Iran relations and regional stability.
Tagged:

MiddleEastTensions

NuclearTalks

MasoudPezeshkian

IranUSRelations
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