Pakistan, Feb. 5 -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has ordered the start of nuclear talks with the United States, signaling willingness for diplomacy while maintaining that Tehran will respond firmly to any military threats.

Following anti-government protests last month, US President Donald Trump threatened military action and deployed an aircraft carrier group to the region, while insisting he remains hopeful of a nuclear deal with Iran.

Iran confirmed that it is preparing a negotiation framework, with details to be finalized in the coming days. Regional players are relaying messages between Tehran and Washington to facilitate dialogue and reduce tensions.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei emphasized that Iran will never ...