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

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.

"Riyadh is firmly opposed to any US or Israeli military action against Iran at this stage," a former Saudi adviser told Newsweek.

Differences over the scope for the talks have also cast doubts on whether it will still go ahead, keeping open the risk of U.S. military action.

Iran and the United States began talks on Friday in Oman, with Washington refusing to rule out military action against its foe if diplomacy fails while the Islamic republic vowed to defend itself against "any excessive demands".

Amid a new Iran crisis, it’s getting harder to see how Trump emerges with the kind of crisp, easy win that he craves.

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