Iran's First Vice President Mohammad-Reza Aref announced that Tehran is open to direct nuclear negotiations with the United States if suitable conditions are met, emphasizing the need for talks that safeguard the interests of both sides. Aref criticized Western pressure on Iran's nuclear program, dismissing demands for a complete halt to uranium enrichment as unreasonable. Recent tensions included US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and Iran's retaliatory attack on a US base in Qatar, followed by a ceasefire with Israel. While US President Donald Trump claimed Iran requested a meeting, Iranian officials denied making such a request, maintaining their stance against ending uranium enrichment.