Description: In an interview with conservative journalist Tucker Carlson, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated his country was willing to engage in direct negotiations with the US, however, issues regarding trust and credibility remain the main obstacles in achieving a diplomatic solution to the war. Pezeshkian also restated that Iran was never pursuing the weaponization of its nuclear program and all development was made in order to ensure the country’s energy stability going forward. Separate reports indicated that Iran has recently obtained an undisclosed amount of Chinese surface to air ballistic missiles in exchange for oil shipments as the country aimed at replenishing its reserves after the 12 – day war.
Impact: Pezeshkian presented relatively moderate narrative in his interview, as his position on Iran’s willingness to engage in direct negotiations with the US complemented the ones of Foreign Minister Araghchi and Khamenei’s. Iran and Israel are both committed to respecting the US imposed ceasefire, however, many variables and disputes still remain unresolved. Iran’s replenishment of ballistic missile supplies from China is a significant development as it marks the first occasion where one of the country’s closest allies is engaged in directly supporting its defensive efforts since the ending of the 12 – day war. Iran would avoid in engaging the US or Israel in expedient negotiations while the outcome of the situation with the ceasefire in Gaza would most certainly have an impact on Iran’s position going forward, depending on the outcome.