Iran expresses skepticism over upcoming US talks - Reuters

Iranian officials conveyed to Reuters on Tuesday a palpable wariness and deep-seated suspicion regarding Washington's intentions, tempering expectations for significant progress in the upcoming talks with the US.

In Tehran, US President Donald Trump's warnings are seen as a way to box the Islamic Republic into accepting concessions in the talks Trump demands or face air strikes, Reuters quoted three Iranian officials as saying.

The officials added that Washington wanted to push other issues too, including Iranian influence across the Middle East and its ballistic missiles program, which they said were off the table.

"Trump wants a new deal: end Iran's regional influence, dismantle its nuclear program, and halt its missile work. These are unacceptable to Tehran. Our nuclear program cannot be dismantled," one of the officialssaid.

"Our defense is non-negotiable. How can Tehran disarm when Israel has nuclear warheads? Who protects us if Israel or others strike?" Reuters quoted another Iranian official as saying.