Iran-US Nuclear Talks Ordered

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has ordered the start of nuclear talks with the United States, following US President Donald Trump's expressions of hope for a deal to avert military action. This development comes amidst heightened tensions, including Mr. Trump's threats of military action and deployment of an aircraft carrier group to the Middle East, in response to Iran's crackdown on anti-government protests. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei indicated that a framework for negotiations would be ready soon, with regional players mediating messages. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has engaged in diplomatic calls with counterparts from Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, suggesting a potential deal could involve sanctions lifting in exchange for no nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei warned that any US attack would trigger a regional war. The European Union's designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization prompted Iran to retaliate by designating European armies as such, further complicating diplomatic efforts. Thousands of deaths have been acknowledged during the recent protests in Iran, with authorities attributing the violence to 'terrorist acts' and foreign interference.