Iran has signalled it is open to continuingtalkswith the United States - but has set terms and conditions. "We have never feared the principle of negotiation… but this does not mean to negotiate at any cost," said Ebrahim Azizi, head of the Iranian Parliament's National Security Committee and a former IRGC commander, as per an Al Jazeera report. "Iran has set red lines, and these must be observed," he added.
Azizi's remarks come amid uncertainty over whether a fresh round of negotiations - expected to be held in Islamabad - will even take place. He indicated that Tehran's participation would depend on "positive signals" from Washington, adding that any decision would follow further internal assessment.
The comments show the fragile state of US-Iran diplomacy after the first round of high-stakes negotiations in Islamabad failed to produce any results earlier this month. The talks - mediated by Pakistan - were aimed at stabilising the two-week ceasefire and addressing the core disputes, including Iran's nuclear programme and control over the Strait of Hormuz.
However, both sides walked away without an agreement, with major sticking points unresolved. Iran has pushed for sanctions relief and recognition of its regional role, while the US has demanded curbs on nuclear activity and broader security commitments.
Since then, tensions have escalated sharply, further complicating the prospects of dialogue. The USseizureof Iranian cargo ship Touska near the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday has further triggered outrage in Tehran. In response, Iran launched drone attacks at the US warship Spruance and forced them toretreat.
Iran also accused Washington of violating a fragile ceasefire and adopting inconsistent negotiating positions, raising doubts over the credibility of the talks process. In response, Iranian state media has even denied that a second round of talks is confirmed, citing "excessive demands" and a hostile negotiating climate.
The conflict - now stretching weeks - has disrupted global oil flows and heightened fears of a wider regional war.
While Tehran has not publicly listed all its conditions, officials have repeatedly indicated that key issues include its nuclear programme, sanctions relief, and sovereignty over strategic waterways like the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistani mediators have acknowledged that these "red lines" were a central obstacle in earlier talks, with both sides unwilling to concede ground on core demands.
Azizi's latest remarks reinforce that position, indicating that while diplomacy remains an option, Iran is not prepared to accept terms it sees as one-sided.
Diana George is Associate Editor at Times Now, with over a decade of experience covering national and international news, crime, and local politics. S...View More
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