Iran has signalled conditional openness to negotiations with the United States amid escalating hostilities, even as it accused Washington of fuelling global conflicts to curb the rise of emerging powers such as India, China and Russia. Speaking to ANI, Abdul Majeed Hakeem Ilahi, special representative of Iran’s Supreme Leader, said Tehran is prepared to end the conflict “with dignity” but will not accept terms imposed under military pressure. He maintained that Iran is acting in self-defence and is seeking peace without compromising its sovereignty.

Ilahi said Iran would be willing to return to talks if the United States halts military actions and provides guarantees against future attacks, along with the removal of sanctions. “Attacking us and expecting negotiations is not acceptable,” he said, adding that once hostilities cease and assurances are provided, Iran would be open to dialogue. He accused the US of initiating the conflict and insisted that responsibility for ending it lies with Washington. According to him, Iran “did not start this war” and would stop once the US does the same.

The diplomat also revealed that Iran had been engaged in negotiations with the United States through Oman prior to the recent escalation. He claimed that discussions were progressing positively and that both sides were close to issuing a joint statement. The Omani Foreign Minister had reportedly expressed optimism about the progress made during the talks. Ilahi alleged that the military strikes by the US and Israel occurred just as diplomatic efforts were nearing a conclusion.

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The conflict between Iran and the US-Israeli coalition has intensified rapidly, evolving from diplomatic tensions into what has been described as a high-intensity air campaign. US President Donald Trump dismissed Iran’s diplomatic overtures as “too late", asserting that key elements of Iran’s military infrastructure, including naval and air capabilities, had been severely degraded. He stated that military operations would continue until Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities were fully dismantled, although he did not rule out talks at a later stage.

Ilahi further accused the United States of instigating wars to prevent a global shift in power. He argued that Washington seeks to maintain its dominance and does not want emerging powers such as India, China and Russia to rise as equal partners. According to him, conflicts in various regions are part of a broader strategy to slow the ascent of these nations and preserve American supremacy in global affairs. He claimed that investigations indicate an imminent global power realignment.

Meanwhile, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian sought to reassure citizens that the country remains stable despite the exceptional situation. He said the government is in direct contact with provincial governors and has delegated authority to ensure swift decision-making based on local conditions. Emphasising national unity as Iran’s primary asset, Pezeshkian stated that daily activities across the country are continuing and that governance mechanisms remain functional despite the ongoing crisis.

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