Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has announced that Iran is ready to engage in negotiations with the United States, following pressure from neighboring countries. This decision comes as a response to a US proposal for talks, with the condition that the environment is conducive and free from threats and unreasonable expectations. The announcement follows a warning from Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, that any attack on Iran would lead to a regional conflict. The US, under President Donald Trump, has been building up military forces near Iran, including an aircraft carrier, in response to Iran's nuclear ambitions and the brutal suppression of protesters. Trump has also threatened to intervene directly. The negotiations are set to take place in Istanbul on Friday, according to US media reports. This development follows an interview where Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, expressed confidence in reaching a deal. Trump, however, has stated that any agreement would be beneficial, but warned of dire consequences if negotiations fail. The US previously conducted targeted strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, known as Operation Midnight Hammer, in response to Israeli actions. Trump's comments about a large military buildup near Iran have raised concerns. The protests in Iran, sparked by economic issues, have led to a significant loss of life, with estimates ranging from 3,117 to potentially over 25,000 deaths, according to different sources. Iranian officials have reported that public anger has reached a critical point, where fear is no longer a deterrent.
