U.S. open to talks with Iran, but only through direct dialogue

The United States is prepared to engage in formal negotiations with Iran over its nuclear programme, but only if Tehran is willing to enter into direct and substantive talks, Deputy U.S. Special Envoy for the Middle East Morgan Ortagus said.

Speaking at a meeting of the UN Security Council on Iran’s nuclear activities, Ortagus said Washington remains open to negotiations but does not consider indirect formats.

She added that the United States does not envisage public negotiations and reiterated that Washington’s position on Iran’s uranium enrichment remains unchanged, describing it as unacceptable.

In 2025, Iran and the United States held five rounds of nuclear talks mediated by Oman. The discussions ended without tangible results amid the launch of a military operation by Israel against Iran and subsequent U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.