Iran Prepared for Second Round of Talks Pending Positive Signals from Washington

A former commander of the IRGC, Azizi stated that while Iran is prepared to return to the negotiating table, any engagement must be grounded in specific conditions and the protection of national interests, according to a report by Al Jazeera.

Azizi emphasized that entering talks does not imply that Iran will succumb to coercive tactics from the opposing side. He clarified that Tehran seeks to advance discussions on a predetermined agenda and will only participate in formal meetings if positive signals are received from Washington. Describing the diplomatic process as an "extension of the battlefield," he noted that negotiations are seen as an opportunity only if they can consolidate the gains made through military resistance. He warned that Iran would not entertain any "excessive demands" from the U.S. side.

Regarding Iran's participation in potential upcoming talks in Islamabad, Azizi affirmed that the nation would take all necessary steps to ensure its national security. Currently, Pakistan is leading intense diplomatic mediation efforts to de-escalate tensions between the two powers. Analysts suggest that these negotiations are critical for global political stability, especially as the confrontation between U.S. interests and Iranian resistance shifts from active combat to the diplomatic table under the watchful eyes of international stakeholders and NATO-member states.