Iran's Pezeshkian open to diplomacy but distrusts US amid war talks
Synopsis
Iran says it wants peace but doesn't trust the US — and is actively disputing reports that a deal is imminent. With a ceasefire holding since April 8, Tehran is still reviewing Washington's latest proposal while calling media reports of a near-final agreement 'fabricated.' The Strait of Hormuz, nuclear enrichment, and sanctions relief hang in the balance.
Key Takeaways
President Pezeshkian told French President Macron on Wednesday that Iran is open to diplomacy but distrusts the US over attacks during active talks.
A ceasefire between Iran, the US, and Israel was reached on 8 April after 40 days of fighting that began on 28 February .
Peace talks in Islamabad on 11–12 April failed to produce an agreement.
Axios reported both sides are nearing a one-page memo involving a nuclear enrichment moratorium and US sanctions relief; Iran has denied a deal is imminent.
Semi-official Fars News Agency called reports of a near-final deal "fabricated," saying they were designed to move oil markets.
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Baghaei confirmed Tehran is still reviewing the latest US proposal, delivered via Pakistan .
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has signalled Tehran's readiness to pursue diplomatic channels to end the ongoing war with the United States and Israel, while insisting that any resolution must fully safeguard Iranian national rights. The statement came during a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday, even as conflicting reports swirled over how close the two sides actually are to a formal agreement.
Pezeshkian's Deep Distrust of Washington
During the call with Macron, Pezeshkian expressed profound scepticism toward the United States, according to a statement published on the website of his office. He cited what he described as two separate attacks on Iran that occurred during active bilateral negotiations, calling them an act of
Point of View
That is a concession with immediate, measurable economic consequences that would be hard to walk back. The bigger question is whether the US-delivered-via-Pakistan channel reflects serious intent or is itself a pressure tactic ahead of a tougher final ask on enrichment.
NationPress
11 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Iran's President Pezeshkian say about peace talks with the US?
President Pezeshkian said Iran is ready to pursue diplomatic paths to end the war with the United States and Israel, but only if Iranian national rights are fully safeguarded. He also expressed deep distrust of Washington, accusing it of attacking Iran twice during active bilateral negotiations.
What would a potential Iran-US deal involve?
According to a report by Axios, a proposed one-page framework would see Iran commit to a moratorium on nuclear enrichment while the US lifts sanctions. Both sides would also lift restrictions on transit through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has not confirmed this framework.
Has Iran denied reports of a near-final agreement with the US?
Yes. The semi-official Fars News Agency called recent media reports of a deal 'fabricated,' claiming they were designed to influence global oil markets. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Baghaei confirmed Tehran is still reviewing the latest US proposal and has not yet responded.
When did the Iran-US-Israel war begin and end?
The conflict began on 28 February with US and Israeli attacks on Iran and lasted 40 days before a ceasefire was reached on 8 April. Peace talks were subsequently held in Islamabad, Pakistan, on 11 and 12 April, but failed to produce an agreement.
What role is France playing in the Iran-US negotiations?
French President Emmanuel Macron held a phone call with Pezeshkian on Wednesday, signalling France's continued interest in facilitating dialogue. France has historically played a bridging role in Iran-West negotiations, including during the original 2015 JCPOA nuclear deal.
