Iran is “neither optimistic nor pessimistic” regarding negotiations with the United States in Istanbul, Turkey, an Iranian diplomatic source told Reuters on Tuesday (3).
The source also pointed out that the Iranian regime will not negotiate about its defensive capabilities.
Iran considers its ballistic missile program, for example, an essential component of its defensive capabilities. This would be one of the topics addressed by the US for an agreement.
Understand the tension between Iran and the United States
United States President Donald Trump has returned to the matter if the country does not negotiate a new nuclear deal that “is fair to all parties.”
The American leader said he sent one, including the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln and F-35 fighter jets.
Iranian officials, in turn, refuted the idea of negotiating under threat from the United States. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said talks could only take place
Araghchi also warned that Iran’s Armed Forces are fully prepared to respond “immediately and powerfully” to any aggression against Iranian territory, airspace or waters.
The escalation of tension between Iran and the US this year began in the Middle Eastern country. The Iranian population was outraged by the rampant inflation, taking to the streets in demonstrations against the regime.
Trump has repeatedly warned that he would “strike with full force” if Iranian authorities violently suppressed demonstrations, saying the country was “ready and armed.”
During the protests, an internet blockade was imposed in the country and according to human rights groups.
Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, said any attack by the United States would be considered the “start of a war.”
