Iran said Monday that negotiations with the U.S. may continue if they align with national interests and the terms of a memorandum of understanding [1].
This diplomatic opening comes as mediators work to prevent a broader escalation in the region. The willingness to engage suggests a potential shift toward stabilization, provided the terms of previous agreements are respected.
Ismail Baghaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that mediators continue efforts to prevent escalation and that Iran has received proposals from them [1], [2]. These efforts are intended to manage tensions and avoid direct conflict through third-party diplomacy.
Baghaei addressed the tension between diplomatic and military options during the proceedings. "Insisting on the duality of war or negotiation is not useful for our country," Baghaei said [1].
The spokesperson further detailed the conditions under which Tehran would engage with Washington. He said that continuing negotiations with the U.S. is "possible" based on national interests [2].
According to the foreign ministry, any future dialogue must be rooted in the clear terms of the existing memorandum of understanding [1], [2]. This framework serves as the baseline for determining whether diplomatic paths remain viable.
These statements were made on July 20, 2026 [1].
“"Insisting on the duality of war or negotiation is not useful for our country."”
By framing negotiations as 'possible' rather than guaranteed, Iran is maintaining strategic leverage while signaling to the international community that it remains open to a diplomatic off-ramp. The emphasis on a memorandum of understanding indicates that Tehran is seeking a structured, predictable framework for engagement to avoid the volatility of ad hoc agreements.
