Iran Open to Direct Talks with US if Hostility Ends

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has expressed willingness to engage in direct talks with the United States, provided Washington demonstrates a non-hostile stance towards the Islamic Republic. In his first official press conference on September 16, Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran is not seeking hostility with the US, stating, “We are brothers with the Americans as well.”

Pezeshkian's remarks come amidst heightened tensions between Iran and the US, particularly since the US withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018. The Iranian president reiterated that his country was forced to enrich uranium at near-weapons-grade levels due to the US withdrawal from the pact.

Regarding allegations of weapon transfers to Russia, Pezeshkian denied any such deliveries since taking office, stating, "It is possible that a delivery took place in the past… but I can assure you that since I took office, there has not been any such delivery to Russia" ¹. He also refuted claims of sending hypersonic missiles to Yemen's Houthi rebels.

Pezeshkian took a firm stance on Iran's missile program, declaring that it will never be abandoned, despite Western sanctions. He justified the program as essential for security in the region, citing Israel's military actions in Gaza.

On domestic issues, Pezeshkian addressed growing concerns over human rights violations, particularly against women. He pledged to prevent morality police from "bothering" women, although the extent of his authority to effect change remains uncertain.

The press conference was held amidst economic difficulties and growing citizen unrest in Iran. As Pezeshkian navigates these challenges, his statements signal a potential shift in Iran's stance towards the US, while maintaining a firm position on key regional and domestic issues.