By Sadiq Abdulfatah

Iran has said it is prepared to return to talks with the United States, but only if Washington softens its language and drops what Tehran described as threatening rhetoric.

According to state media, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made the remarks during discussions with officials from Türkiye, Egypt, Iraq and Azerbaijan.

Araghchi said Iran did not start the recent conflict and insisted the country’s armed forces remain ready to respond to any fresh military action.

He added that Tehran joined the latest Pakistan-mediated talks in good faith despite doubts about Washington’s intentions.

The foreign minister also accused the United States of repeatedly failing to honour past commitments.

The United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28, leading to retaliatory attacks by Tehran against U.S. allies in the Gulf and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

A ceasefire was later reached on April 8 through mediation by Pakistan, followed by talks in Islamabad on April 11 and 12, but no agreement was reached.

U.S. President Donald Trump later extended the truce at Pakistan’s request without announcing a new deadline.

Iran’s state news agency IRNA also reported that Tehran submitted a fresh proposal on Thursday through Pakistan to restart negotiations aimed at ending the conflict.

Source: Saudi Gazette