Iran has shown openness to direct talks with the United States and demonstrated a willingness to change its policy approach towards its "arch-enemy." Khamenei's foreign policy advisor, Kamal Kharrazi, stated on Sunday, "The Americans describe diplomacy as the best option... We share the same view and are ready to return to negotiations," according to the Iranian Student News Agency (ISNA). According to Kharrazi, Iran should also be prepared to resume nuclear negotiations that halted during former U.S. President Donald Trump's presidency. The senior Iranian advisor and former foreign minister said, "After that, we can discuss a nuclear-free zone (in the Middle East)."
However, the conservative government of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has consistently rejected direct contact with the United States, which it has often referred to as the "Great Satan," since coming to power in Iran in 2021, according to the German News Agency. According to the Iranian Foreign Ministry, diplomatic communications with the U.S. only occur through third countries such as Qatar or Oman, and in some cases, through the European Union. Thus, Kharrazi's statements suggest a shift in approach from Iran. However, no official representatives of the government have yet issued any statements in this regard.
