Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian described recent diplomatic engagement with the United States as "a step forward" during a national address on Sunday, February 8, 2026, while firmly rejecting external military pressure. The remarks follow indirect negotiations held this past Friday in Muscat, Oman, aimed at easing tensions over Iran's nuclear program.
Pezeshkian emphasized Tehran's commitment to resolving disputes through dialogue, stating: "Our strength lies in responding to respect with respect, not yielding to force." He reiterated Iran's adherence to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), calling its stance "legally grounded and principled."
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi struck a defiant tone at a Sunday conference, asserting Iran's right to uranium enrichment as a "legitimate sovereign choice." He dismissed U.S. naval deployments in the Gulf as ineffective intimidation tactics, adding: "We are people of diplomacy, but we will defend ourselves against aggression."
The talks come amid renewed global scrutiny of Iran's nuclear activities. U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed plans for follow-up negotiations "early next week," reiterating Washington's demand to prevent nuclear weaponization. Analysts suggest the Muscat discussions mark the first substantive engagement between the two nations since 2025's stalled Vienna negotiations.
