Iran faces pressure to yield on nuclear program for US peace talks

Mediators are pressuring Iran to make concessions on its nuclear program to resume peace talks with the United States, as Washington prepares for a possible new military escalation while Tehran says it is ready for war or diplomacy. US President Donald Trump rejected an Iranian ceasefire proposal in New York and is prioritizing preventing Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, while avoiding discussion of reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has made no concessions, and power is increasingly concentrated in the hands of hardline Revolutionary Guards. Qatar's prime minister warned the conflict is becoming increasingly difficult to manage, and Trump considers a new bombing campaign possible. Iran seeks a return to a June memorandum of understanding, but Washington has strengthened sanctions, while Tehran demands guarantees against Israeli attacks before any new agreement.