"Have you forgotten that it was these same Americans, along with Israel, who exploited the nuclear negotiations to buy time and prepare for their attack?" an editorial in the hardline Iranian newspaper Kayhan questioned on 8/7. Kayhan has long opposed engagement with the West.
The editorial followed an interview with American journalist Tucker Carlson, in which President Pezeshkian stated that Iran "sees no problem" in resuming nuclear negotiations, provided that mutual trust can be established.
The conservative daily Javan also targeted President Pezeshkian, describing his statements as "too soft."
"Dialogue with an American television host only holds real value if it accurately reflects the Iranian public's outrage and complete loss of trust in the United States," Javan wrote.
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Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at a cabinet meeting in Tehran on 18/6. Photo: AFP |
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at a cabinet meeting in Tehran on 18/6. Photo: AFP
Meanwhile, the reformist newspaper Ham Mihan praised Pezeshkian's "positive approach."
"This interview should have happened a long time ago," the paper stated, adding, "It is unfortunate that Iranian officials have been absent from American and international media for so long."
On 13/6, Israel launched a preemptive strike against Iran, killing several high-ranking commanders and nuclear scientists. The attack occurred two days before a planned meeting between Tehran and Washington to restart nuclear talks. Negotiations have been stalled ever since.
On 22/6, the US conducted airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites in Fordo, Isfahan, and Natanz. Iranian officials reported that 12 days of fighting with Israel resulted in at least 1,060 deaths. In Israel, retaliatory rocket and drone attacks by Iran killed at least 28 people. A ceasefire between Iran and Israel took effect on 24/6.
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated on 8/7 that Iran has not requested a meeting with the US to resume nuclear negotiations. Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy, had previously indicated he would meet with Iranian diplomats "next week."
