Iran signals openness to talks with US, rules out quick concessions

Iran's parliament speaker has signaled potential openness to negotiations with the US, stating that diplomacy is not capitulation but a way to convert battlefield strength into political gains. He offered no immediate concessions. Ghalibaf, a conservative pragmatist, made the remarks in Tehran amid a months-long stalemated conflict. He defiantly told President Trump that Washington cannot impose its power on Iran, while President Massud Peseschkian arrived in New York for a UN General Assembly address. The US and Israel began their war against Iran over six months ago, with the conflict now centered on the Strait of Hormuz. Washington seeks to pressure Tehran through sanctions and a naval blockade, while Iran hopes rising Western energy prices will create economic leverage.