Iran willing to negotiate with US but remains wary, says President

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has signaled a potential willingness for dialogue with the United States, stating that Iran is prepared to negotiate but remains wary of Washington's intentions. In a televised interview, Pezeshkian emphasized that Tehran's commitment to any agreement hinges on reciprocal actions from the U.S., asserting, "We can move forward if Iran’s actions are met with reciprocal and proportional actions from the other side."

This openness to negotiation is framed within the context of a peace memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in June. Under this agreement, the U.S. was expected to ease naval blockades and sanctions on Iran's oil and petrochemical sectors, as well as release frozen Iranian assets. Pezeshkian noted that Iran had exported nearly 90 million barrels of oil during the period the agreement was being implemented, underscoring the potential economic benefits of renewed engagement.

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We can move forward if Iran’s actions are met with reciprocal and proportional actions from the other side.

However, the path to a renewed understanding remains uncertain. The MoU stipulated negotiations within 60 days, which concluded on August 17, without a final agreement. Recent escalations between the two nations have cast a shadow over these diplomatic efforts. Pezeshkian's remarks come at a time when Iran is grappling with significant domestic economic challenges, including inflation and unemployment.

Meanwhile, Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, called for a strong focus on economic issues, emphasizing the importance of domestic production and wise imports. He also urged for national unity and social cohesion. These domestic calls for economic stability and unity occur against a backdrop of intensified U.S. economic pressure, with President Donald Trump having announced what he described as "the most crushing economic operation ever taken" against Iran.

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The main issue is that we must be committed to the MoU we have written. When we sit down at the negotiating table, we can talk to them.