With Trump back, Tehran seeks Iraqi mediation for talks - UAE outlet
As Donald Trump returned to the White House, Iran is seeking Iraqi mediation to facilitate talks with the United States, according to UAE-affiliated Erem News on Monday.
As Donald Trump returned to the White House, Iran is seeking Iraqi mediation to facilitate talks with the United States, according to UAE-affiliated Erem News on Monday.
An unnamed political figure in Iraq has received approval to create a special channel for mediation between Washington and Tehran, the outlet said, citing its sources.
The report noted that with the growing possibility of Israeli attacks on Iran, Iraqis feel concerned about the potential harm to their country’s security and stability.
"Iranian political leaders, on behalf of Masoud Pezeshkian’s government, told Iraq they are ready to start talks and sit at the table with the US," Erem News said, quoting one of its anonymous sources.
Last week, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein stated that his country aims to maintain good relations with the US during Trump’s presidency.
Donald Trump was sworn in for his second, nonconsecutive term as US President on Monday.
During his first term, Trump introduced a series of measures in order to curb Tehran's regional influence, focusing on its nuclear program. Washington's sanctions also significantly impacted the Iranian economy.
Trump withdrew his country from the nuclear agreement with Tehran, but, despite some overtures for talks, avoided pursuing negotiations for a new deal, focusing instead on a "maximum pressure" campaign.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Tehran is ready to negotiate, calling it "the wisest course of action to start lifting sanctions."
"We have always been ready, and if others are prepared too, we believe talks will begin and succeed. If others take a different approach, Iran will adjust its strategy," he added.
Former Iranian parliamentarian Ali Motahari told the Rouydad24 website that Iran should hold direct talks with the US, stating, "Using a mediator cannot solve the issue."
Earlier this month, the country's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei called supporters of talks with the US "intimidated by the enemy" and urged officials not to bow to "unreasonable American expectations" when addressing issues like hijab, inflation, and currency.
In recent weeks, the Kayhan newspaper, funded by Khamenei, has repeatedly criticized officials who discussed negotiating with the US.
On Monday, Kayhan doubled down on its narrative, writing that President Trump could only "enter Iran" under one condition—"to face punishment for ordering" the assassination of Qassem Soleimani.
