Iran's president says he has instructed the country's foreign minister to "pursue fair and equitable negotiations" with the United States

US strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites last year caused major damage, but Tehran insists its program remains intact and is already being rebuilt - Anadolu Ajansı

Iran's president said Tuesday he instructed the country's foreign minister to "pursue fair and equitable negotiations" with the United States, the first clear sign from Tehran it wants to try to negotiate as tensions remain high with Washington after the Mideast country's bloody crackdown on nationwide protests last month.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Saturday that U.S., Israeli and European leaders had exploited Iran's economic problems, incited unrest and provided people with the means to "tear the nation apart" in recent protests.

Trump issued a new warning to Iran and its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, ahead of expected talks over Tehran's nuclear program.

President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Tuesday that he supported “equitable negotiations.” Talks are expected on Friday, as diplomats work to defuse the crisis.

Trump threatens Iran with military action while pursuing diplomatic talks. Recent drone shootdowns escalate tensions as diplomatic summit approaches.