Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announced on Monday that the country's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has granted the government new powers to negotiate with the United States. Pezeshkian's statement comes as Iran seeks to revive stalled talks with Washington over a potential nuclear deal. The Iranian leader made the remarks during a speech in Tehran, where he emphasized the importance of dialogue in resolving the country's differences with the US.
According to Pezeshkian, the new powers granted by Khamenei will allow the government to engage in more effective negotiations with the US. The Iranian president did not provide further details on the specific powers granted, but emphasized that the goal is to find a peaceful solution to the country's disputes with the US. Iran and the US have been engaged in indirect talks for months, with Qatar serving as a mediator.
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Ismail Baghaei, also spoke on Monday, saying that Tehran is willing to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz within two days, provided that the US accepts Iran's demands. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital waterway for global oil shipments, and Iran has previously threatened to block it in response to US sanctions.
Baghaei added that Iran's proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days, which was put forward in September, is still on the table. However, he noted that the US rejected the plan, and that Tehran is now seeking a new agreement. The Iranian government has long demanded that the US lift sanctions on its oil exports and provide guarantees for a potential nuclear deal.
The tensions between Iran and the US have been escalating in recent months, with both sides engaging in a series of military strikes and counter-strikes. The conflict has raised concerns about the potential for a wider war in the region. Despite the tensions, Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran is committed to finding a peaceful solution to its disputes with the US.
The Iranian president's comments come as the US and Israel have been increasing their military presence in the region. US President Donald Trump has said that he is willing to take military action against Iran if necessary, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also threatened to take action against Iranian military targets.
Iran has consistently denied seeking to develop nuclear weapons, and has emphasized its right to peaceful use of nuclear energy. The country's nuclear program has been a point of contention with the US and other Western powers for years, and remains a major obstacle to a potential nuclear deal.
Key points
- Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian says the country's Supreme Leader has granted the government new powers to negotiate with the US.
- Iran is willing to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz within two days, provided that the US accepts Iran's demands.
- The tensions between Iran and the US have been escalating in recent months, with both sides engaging in a series of military strikes and counter-strikes.
