Pezeshkian says Iran is open to talks but distrusts US

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran remains open to diplomacy with the United States but will defend itself against threats or military attack, as Tehran awaits a response to a proposed plan linking steps to end the conflict with negotiations over a broader agreement. The proposal has not been confirmed as accepted, and the accounts provided do not establish that talks have resumed. In separate interviews, Pezeshkian described deep distrust of Washington, saying past agreements and negotiations had not prevented further pressure or attacks. He said a direct meeting with President Donald Trump would not, by itself, restore confidence, and that practical evidence of a US commitment to agreements would be needed. Pezeshkian also said Iran was prepared to negotiate within international law, including on its nuclear program and monitoring arrangements. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi outlined the proposed sequence to reporters: initial steps would take four to five days, the Strait of Hormuz would reopen on the sixth day, and talks on a final deal would begin on the seventh.