UN warns Afghanistan’s child malnutrition crisis deepens

TEHRAN: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has described the current moment as the “best time” for reaching an agreement with the United States, while making clear that Tehran’s broader policy toward Washington has not changed. Speaking to media representatives in Tehran on Sunday, Pezeshkian said the United States had been pushed toward negotiations and reconciliation with Iran, describing the development as a success for Tehran’s diplomacy. His comments come amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States and growing international efforts to find a diplomatic way out of the crisis. Pezeshkian suggested that the present circumstances could provide an opportunity to move toward an agreement if Washington was prepared to meet its commitments. The Iranian president accused the United States of failing to implement understandings reflected in an Islamabad memorandum and points jointly prepared by Iran and Oman. According to Pezeshkian, Washington’s failure to follow through on those commitments forced Tehran to respond. He said Iran had established a special team to deal with the crisis and that the group was continuing its work. “We are hopeful that Iran will move forward with dignity, determination and pride,” Pezeshkian said, stressing that Tehran would continue to protect what it considers its national interests. Despite signaling openness to negotiations, Pezeshkian adopted a tough tone toward Washington. He described the United States as a “criminal” and “colonial” power and insisted that Iran’s policy toward Washington remained unchanged. The president also warned against what he portrayed as attempts by the United States and Israel to weaken Iran from within. According to Pezeshkian, military pressure and war had failed to force Tehran into submission. He argued that Washington and Israel could now seek to exploit divisions within Iranian society by encouraging internal disputes. Pezeshkian urged Iranians to remain alert to what he described as such efforts, emphasizing that national unity was particularly important at the current stage. He called on the Iranian public to stand together to safeguard the country’s security and defence capabilities. The remarks underline the delicate balance in Tehran’s position: Iran appears willing to explore diplomacy while simultaneously maintaining its longstanding opposition to Washington’s policies. Pezeshkian’s comments could therefore signal a possible opening for renewed diplomatic engagement, but any breakthrough is likely to depend on whether Iran and the United States can overcome deep mistrust and resolve disagreements over previous commitments. For now, Tehran’s message is clear: the door to negotiations may be open, but Iran says it will enter those talks from a position of dignity, national unity and strength.