Iran's Rezaeei Says Neighbors Seek Conditions for U.S. Talks as Washington Denies War Intent

TEHRAN, Iran — Mohsen Rezaeei, the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, stated on Tuesday that Pakistan, Oman, and Iraq have formally inquired about Iran's specific conditions for resuming negotiations with the United States. The disclosure marks a significant shift in diplomatic reporting, as Rezaeei noted that while American officials claim they do not seek military conflict with Tehran, Iranian leadership maintains it cannot engage in talks without clear preconditions.

Rezaeei addressed the issue during a press briefing in Tehran on September 23, 2026. He indicated that regional intermediaries have been actively probing Iran's stance, seeking to understand the parameters required to reopen a dialogue channel between the two adversaries. The involvement of Pakistan, Oman, and Iraq suggests a coordinated effort by neighboring states to facilitate a de-escalation pathway in the region.

"The Americans say they do not want to fight us," Rezaeei said, summarizing the position conveyed through these diplomatic channels. "However, we refuse to talk unless our conditions are met." The statement underscores a persistent deadlock where Washington expresses a desire to avoid war, while Tehran insists that any negotiation must begin with the acceptance of its terms.

The Secretary did not specify what those conditions entail, maintaining that the details remain withheld from other nations until a formal framework is established. This opacity has complicated efforts by regional powers to mediate, as they lack the full scope of Iran's demands to relay to Washington. The situation highlights a disconnect between the public assurances of peace offered by U.S. officials and the rigid diplomatic posture adopted by the Iranian security apparatus.

Diplomatic sources indicate that the inquiries from Islamabad, Muscat, and Baghdad are part of a broader regional push to stabilize the Middle East amid rising tensions. The three nations have historically served as conduits for sensitive communications between Tehran and Washington, often stepping in when direct channels are severed. Their current engagement suggests an urgency to prevent further escalation before it spirals into open conflict.

Despite the interest from neighbors, no official timeline for potential talks has been announced. Rezaeei's comments leave several critical questions unanswered regarding the nature of Iran's demands and whether the United States is prepared to meet them. It remains unclear if Washington views these inquiries as a genuine opening or merely as intelligence-gathering by regional allies. Furthermore, the specific content of the conditions Iran considers non-negotiable has not been disclosed to the international community.

As the diplomatic maneuvering continues, the focus remains on whether the gap between American assurances and Iranian prerequisites can be bridged. The outcome of these behind-the-scenes discussions will likely determine the trajectory of U.S.-Iran relations in the coming months, with the potential for either a breakthrough or a further hardening of positions.