Iran is ready to resume talks with the United States but it must be impartial and not involve Iran’s defense capabilities, Iran’s chief diplomat said on Friday, as regional powers work to prevent military conflict between the two foes.
US President Donald Trump said on Thursday he planned to talk with Iran, while the US sent another warship to the Middle East and the Pentagon chief said the military would be ready to carry out whatever decision the president takes.
US-Iranian tensions have escalated in recent weeks following protests by its clerical officers across Iran.
A senior Iranian official told Reuters last week that one of the main US demands as a condition for resuming talks with Iran is curbs on its missile program. Iran rejects that demand.