Iran Open To Talks If Red Lines Respected, Senior Adviser Says

A senior adviser to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution says Tehran would not oppose negotiations with the United States, provided the talks are held without preconditions and respect Iran’s red lines, including its right to enrich uranium.

Ali Akbar Velayati, adviser on international affairs to Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, made the remarks during a meeting with Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in Tehran on Monday.

“We have no objection to negotiations that are held without preconditions and that respect the Islamic Republic’s red lines,” Velayati said. “They say Iran must abandon uranium enrichment, but this is one of our red lines. If talks are conditional on halting enrichment, they simply won’t happen.”

Velayati described Iran-Pakistan ties as “deep, historic, and brotherly,” and called for stronger bilateral cooperation. During the meeting, Naqvi delivered messages from Pakistan’s prime minister and army chief for the Leader.

The two sides expressed satisfaction with the growing trajectory of relations and emphasized broader cooperation in various fields.

Turning to regional developments, Velayati condemned Israel’s aggression against Iran and its crimes in Gaza, accusing the United States of backing such moves. He called for unity and coordination among Islamic countries in response.

Naqvi echoed the condemnation, voicing Pakistan’s support for Iran’s stance and denouncing attacks by Israel and the U.S. on Iranian territory.

The two sides also discussed trilateral cooperation with Iraq in facilitating the upcoming Arbaeen pilgrimage. Velayati emphasized the significance of Pakistani pilgrims traveling through Iran to Iraq, describing it as an opportunity for expanded cooperation among the three nations.