Iran seeks 'dignity-based' talks as Trump keeps up military threats

Iran said on Friday it is open to negotiations with the U.S. based on "dignity" and mutual respect, even as U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Tehran faces a deadline to accept a deal amid an escalating U.S. military buildup in the Middle East.

Tehran is not seeking war and has consistently pursued dialogue to resolve disputes, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in a phone call.

Pezeshkian said Iran's approach was rooted in "dignity-based diplomacy," respect for international law and the rejection of threats or coercion, while warning that any aggression would be met with an immediate and decisive response.

His remarks came amid Trump's repeated threats of military action against Iran. On Friday, the U.S. president said he had given Iran a deadline to reach a deal, though he did not say when it would expire, telling reporters that "only they know for sure."

Trump reiterated that a large U.S. naval force, including the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln, was moving closer to Iran, adding that Washington hoped to strike an agreement but was prepared for other outcomes if talks failed.

Both sides remain far apart on their demands. Washington has said any agreement must include a ban on uranium enrichment, the removal of enriched material from Iran, limits on long-range missiles and a rollback of support for regional allies, conditions Tehran has repeatedly rejected.

In Istanbul, where Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held talks with his Turkish counterpart, Araghchi said Iran was ready for "fair and equitable" talks with the U.S. but not under the shadow of threats, and stressed that Iran's missile and defense capabilities would never be subject to negotiation.

He said there were currently no meetings planned with U.S. officials and that Tehran was prepared for either talks or confrontation.

Regional powers step up diplomatic efforts

Amid fears of a wider conflict, regional powers have stepped up diplomatic efforts to avert escalation. Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman have reportedly exerted strong pressure on the White House while maintaining contact with both Washington and Tehran. They have warned that any escalation could destabilize the Middle East and disrupt the energy market.

Earlier this week, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan urged the U.S. to address its disputes with Iran one at a time rather than through a sweeping deal, saying this would prevent Iran from being placed in a humiliating position.

Tensions have also prompted Iran's neighbors to distance themselves from potential conflict. Azerbaijan said on Thursday it would never allow its territory or airspace to be used for military operations against neighboring Iran. Saudi Arabia and the UAE, both close U.S. allies, have made similar pledges.

Israel, meanwhile, has placed its security establishment on heightened alert. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has convened a security consultation with senior advisers and defense officials to discuss Iran and the possibility of a U.S. strike, Israeli media reported.

Israeli officials do not believe a limited U.S. strike would topple Iran's leadership and assess that Trump shares that view, according to Israeli TV Channel 12. As a result, they believe any U.S. action would focus on physical assets, particularly Iran's nuclear and missile programs.

Even in the event of a limited strike, Israel expects a significant Iranian retaliation against Israeli targets and says it would respond forcefully, the broadcaster reported.

U.S. officials say Trump is still reviewing his options and has not made a final decision on military action. A directive on a potential strike could come in the coming days, once U.S. military deployments to the region are completed, Channel 12 cited a senior U.S. official as saying.