Iran signals readiness for US talks as Türkiye offers mediation
Iran expressed openness to joining talks "which are meaningful," as Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that "Israeli expansionism sees no limits" and insisted any negotiations must be "fair and equitable" and based on "mutual interests and mutual respect."
Araghchi's remarks came during a joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Istanbul, after the two held bilateral consultations amid escalating US threats. The visit had been scheduled in advance as part of ongoing diplomatic exchanges between Tehran and Ankara, following a previous trip by Turkey's foreign minister to Iran.
'Israel must end its warmongering': Fidan
At the press conference, Fidan offered condolences to Iran over the "terrorist killing of citizens" and said, "We reaffirm opposition to any acts of military aggression against Iran." He argued that "military action is not a solution to Iran's issue," warning that it "could destabilize the entire region."
"We see that Israel is convincing America to attack Iran. Israel must end its warmongering policy in the region," he asserted.
The Turkish FM said Gaza was part of the discussions, noting, "Türkiye has made great efforts to maintain the ceasefire in Gaza and is continuing to do so." On Syria, he added, "As regards Syria, an understanding has been reached to integrate the SDF into the Syrian army. We are following it closely."
Araghchi, for his part, said, "We praise Türkiye's stance regarding US threats against Iran," adding that "security of each regional state amounts to the security of the whole region." He reiterated Tehran's diplomatic conditions, saying, "We reiterate our willingness to take part in any discussion which is meaningful," provided that they are "conducted from an equal perspective, based on mutual interests and mutual respect, and if they are fair and just."
Attempts to neutralize 'sinister Zionist conspiracies' welcome: Araghchi
On the nuclear issue, Araghchi said, "Iran has never sought nuclear weapons, and these weapons have no place in our security calculations," welcoming at the same time "any diplomatic initiative that leads to de-escalation of the tensions, maintaining lasting peace, and neutralizing sinister Zionist conspiracies." He added that "the current trip is not done with the aim of meeting directly with the American side, but as previously announced, the Islamic Republic of Iran is fully prepared for 'fair and equitable' negotiations."
Araghchi said preparations were needed on the "form", "venue", and "subjects" of any talks, adding, "In this regard, constructive consultations were held with Mr. Fidan and ongoing consultations with regional friends will continue to reach an operational framework." He said Iran's aim was to develop "a mechanism that ensures 'honorable talks that ensures national interests'," adding, "We hope to reach a comprehensive agreement on this specific framework in the near future."
He also rejected the utility of military pressure, stating, "The US military attack is not an option. The Americans tried a military attack once in the past and did not achieve any of their goals; that's why they were forced to resort to their threats and demands for negotiations at that time."
In a separate warning tied to the EU's designation of the IRGC, he added, "If the IRGC had not fought the ISIL, Europeans would have had to confront terrorism on their streets. They will regret their decision."
Erdogan-Pezeshkian call
The same day, Türkiye's presidency said President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss bilateral ties and rising military tensions. According to the Turkish readout, Erdogan conveyed Ankara's readiness to play a facilitating role between Iran and the United States to reduce tensions and address outstanding issues, and he told Pezeshkian he would later meet with Araghchi, who had arrived in Türkiye for consultations.
Upon arrival, Araghchi said his visit would focus on reviewing regional developments, coordinating positions, and exchanging views on ways to confront and overcome existing challenges. He stressed that Iran and Türkiye, as neighboring states, have maintained continuous consultations and cooperation across political, economic, social, and cultural fields and that intensifying regional tensions have made closer coordination increasingly necessary.
Rising US threats
The visit comes amid heightened regional tensions amid US threats earlier this month to launch an aggression against Iran. According to Agence France-Presse, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman mounted a coordinated diplomatic effort on January 15 to dissuade US President Donald Trump from authorizing military strikes, warning that such an attack could trigger uncontrollable regional repercussions due to the concentration of US military bases and strategic assets across the Gulf.
On the same day, diplomatic sources in Tehran told Al Mayadeen that a friendly regional party had informed Iran that Washington had reversed course on plans for military action following a reassessment of security and military risks. The reassessment reportedly included potential consequences of a large-scale strike and an evaluation of internal conditions inside Iran. Despite the reported pullback, Iranian authorities said they remained on full alert while keeping diplomatic channels open.
On January 18, President Pezeshkian warned that any aggression against the Leader of the Islamic Revolution would amount to an all-out war against the Iranian nation, reinforcing it as a central red line within Iran’s deterrence doctrine.
On Thursday, CNN reported that Trump had renewed threats by weighing the possibility of launching military strikes against Iran following the failure of recent talks aimed at curbing Tehran’s nuclear activities.