Iran's Supreme Leader Authorizes Nuclear Talks With US

Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has authorized the government to negotiate with the United States, President Massoud Pezeshkian announced, signaling a potential shift toward diplomatic engagement. Pezeshkian stated the goal is resolving issues through dialogue, while warning enemies cannot force Iran to surrender through war. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed intense mediated consultations, saying Iran is ready to engage if Washington shows sincerity, but warned of a harsher response to deception or military action. In a related development, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone with Iran's national security chief Mohsen Rezaei, discussing Middle East regional issues and reaffirming strategic cooperation between the two countries.