Iran Signals Openness to Dialogue but Rejects Pressure in Talks with Iraq

May 2026 : In a significant diplomatic outreach, Masoud Pezeshkian held a phone conversation with Ali al-Zaidi, reiterating that Iran remains open to dialogue within the framework of international law but will not yield to coercion or unilateral demands.

According to an official statement released by the Iranian presidency, Pezeshkian criticised the approach of the United States, accusing Washington of pursuing a “maximum pressure” policy while simultaneously expecting Tehran to engage in negotiations on unequal terms. He described such expectations as unrealistic, stating that Iran would not accept a framework that requires it to surrender to external demands.

The Iranian President emphasised that his country does not view war or instability as viable solutions and remains committed to regional peace. However, he firmly defended Iran’s right to develop nuclear technology, arguing that the US stance effectively seeks to deny Iran a legitimate scientific and industrial capability.

Pezeshkian noted that in previous rounds of negotiations, Iran had demonstrated willingness to cooperate within internationally accepted norms. He said Tehran had consistently offered transparency measures and monitoring arrangements to assure the global community that its nuclear programme remains peaceful in nature.

During the call, al-Zaidi expressed Iraq’s readiness to play a constructive role in easing tensions between Iran and the United States. According to a statement from his office, Iraq is prepared to act as a mediator to help de-escalate regional crises and promote dialogue between the two sides.

Both leaders also agreed to strengthen bilateral relations through the exchange of official visits in the near future, signalling a shared interest in enhancing cooperation amid ongoing regional uncertainty.

The conversation comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the Middle East following a series of military confrontations earlier this year. On February 28, joint strikes by the US and Israel targeted Tehran and other Iranian cities, triggering a sharp escalation. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on Israeli targets and US assets across the region.

A ceasefire was eventually reached on April 8, raising hopes for diplomatic progress. However, subsequent peace talks held in Islamabad on April 11 and 12 failed to produce a breakthrough, leaving key issues unresolved.

Pezeshkian’s latest remarks underscore Iran’s dual approach—maintaining openness to negotiations while firmly resisting external pressure. As regional actors like Iraq step forward to mediate, the prospects for renewed dialogue remain uncertain but crucial for long-term stability in the region.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)