Iran signals readiness for diplomacy with US

Iran’s President Massud Peseschkian has signaled willingness to pursue diplomatic talks with the United States amid ongoing tensions, according to reports from the Iranian presidential office. The remarks were made during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Peseschkian emphasized that Washington must return to its June commitments before Tehran would take further steps toward de-escalating the conflict. He stated, “Should the United States fulfill its obligations under the agreement, the Islamic Republic will immediately implement corresponding measures.” The president reiterated his stance earlier in the week, stating that war serves no one's interests and that Tehran remains open to negotiations. During the SCO summit, Peseschkian also expressed interest in meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin. His comments come after a failed attempt at diplomacy last month, when a temporary agreement between the U.S. and Iran collapsed due to disputes over implementation. Both sides accused each other of violating the terms, leading to renewed hostilities. The June agreement was intended to halt fighting following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian targets in February. However, the deal quickly stalled, with both parties blaming the other for non-compliance. Peseschkian now ties further actions to whether the U.S. honors its previous promises. Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghtschi, has also kept the door open for dialogue. Regional states including Pakistan, Qatar, and Oman have recently sent delegations to Tehran as part of new mediation efforts aimed at resolving the impasse. Tensions escalated shortly after these diplomatic signals. On Sunday evening, U.S. forces launched attacks on the Iranian island of Larak in the Strait of Hormuz. In response, Iran reportedly struck two U.S. Air Force bases in Jordan. This marked the first direct exchange of military strikes between the two nations since late July. U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans for retaliation but stressed that the attacks did not signify a return to all-out war. The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical flashpoint. It connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and is one of the world’s most vital shipping routes for oil transportation. Since the outbreak of hostilities six months ago, Iran has largely blocked passage through the strait, insisting that free navigation can only resume once the U.S. fulfills its June commitments. In response, the U.S. imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports, restricting maritime traffic and disrupting global oil supplies. These restrictions have contributed to rising energy prices worldwide. At the same time, Trump has intensified economic pressure on Iran, announcing a campaign of economic warfare to compel concessions. The administration has already imposed sanctions and threatened additional measures, aiming to force Iran into negotiations. Despite the recent military clashes, Trump has maintained that the situation does not warrant a broader war, though he has not ruled out further action. As the standoff continues, regional powers and international mediators remain engaged in efforts to broker a resolution. With both sides holding firm on their demands, the path forward remains uncertain. The outcome of upcoming discussions could determine whether the current crisis escalates or moves toward a negotiated settlement. For now, the focus remains on whether either side will make the necessary compromises to avoid further escalation.