Iran FM says US outreach a ‘positive step’ as delegation in Qatar for talks

What the report says

Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, said a U.S. effort to open dialogue with Tehran was a “positive step,” while stressing that no direct meeting with American officials is currently planned. In comments to Al Jazeera on Saturday, he said Iran had reviewed a letter from U.S. Vice President JD Vance and was considering proposals tied to the nuclear file and wider regional issues.

Araghchi said an Iranian delegation had traveled to Doha after Qatari mediators visited Tehran, suggesting ongoing back-channel efforts to revive a ceasefire arrangement involving the United States and Iran. He said one of his aides was also in Qatar for further consultations. At the same time, he dismissed reports of imminent talks as media speculation and said Iran’s willingness to engage would depend on its conditions being met.

He outlined those conditions as including sanctions relief, reductions in U.S. forces in the region, restored oil waivers and the release of frozen Iranian funds, including assets in Qatar. He also said discussions had shortened the timeline for a proposal related to reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The remarks highlight the continued mix of diplomatic maneuvering and military tension in the region, with Araghchi saying Iran is prepared for any scenario and has strengthened its defenses.