Iran Signals Opening to Trump Talks, Demands US Rein In Israel
Iran is prepared to explore a diplomatic path with the United States to resolve longstanding disputes, a senior Iranian official told Reuters on Wednesday. The statement came just one day after President Donald Trump reinstated his “maximum pressure” approach toward the Islamic Republic, aimed at curbing its nuclear program.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi echoed the sentiment, saying that US fears over Iran’s potential development of nuclear weapons are not complex and could be addressed quickly, given Iran’s opposition to weapons of mass destruction. “The clerical establishment’s will is to give diplomacy with Trump another chance,” the senior official added, “but Tehran is deeply concerned about Israel’s sabotage.”
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According to the official, any progress on a deal hinges on Washington’s efforts to keep Israel in check. Meanwhile, Trump signaled an openness to a verified nuclear peace agreement with Iran via his Truth Social account, even as his administration pushes for measures that would cut Iran’s vital oil exports down to zero. Tehran has repeatedly insisted its nuclear ambitions are peaceful.
Diplomatic challenges persist, however. The fall of Bashar Assad in Syria last December has disrupted Iran’s “Axis of Resistance”—a network of regional armed groups and allied states that once helped Tehran counter American and Israeli influence. Analysts believe the weakening of Iran’s regional support, coupled with domestic economic woes, leaves Tehran few options beyond pursuing a deal.
