In a significant development, Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, expressed openness on Tuesday to engage in renewed negotiations with the United States concerning Iran's advancing nuclear program. Khamenei’s remarks, though cautious, signal potential diplomatic opportunities under the administration of President Masoud Pezeshkian. However, the supreme leader also reiterated his mistrust toward Washington, highlighting the need for caution.

Khamenei's recent remarks echo sentiments expressed during the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers, which resulted in significant curtailment of Iran's nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. Despite the potential for negotiations, the extent of Pezeshkian's maneuverability remains uncertain. This uncertainty is influenced by heightened tensions in the Middle East due to the Israel-Hamas conflict and the upcoming US presidential election in November.

The supreme leader, in his statement on his official website, emphasized the possibility of interaction with the United States in certain situations. However, he advised against placing undue trust in them. Khamenei, who possesses final authority in all state matters, reiterated his warning to President Pezeshkian's Cabinet, urging them not to trust the "enemy."

It is important to note that talks or the dismissal of talks with Washington have been sporadic in the past. Khamenei occasionally advocated for negotiations or dismissed them altogether, following former US President Donald Trump's unilateral withdrawal from the nuclear deal in 2018. In recent years, there have been indirect talks between Iran and the US, mediated by Oman and Qatar, two key Middle Eastern intermediaries. Significantly, Khamenei's statement follows a visit by Qatar's prime minister to Iran.

The United States' State Department responded to Khamenei's remarks with caution, stating that Iran's leadership will be assessed based on their actions rather than their words. The US has consistently emphasized diplomacy as the ideal approach for resolving issues related to Iran's nuclear program. However, given Iran's overall escalation, including nuclear activities and its lack of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the US maintains that no significant progress can be made at present.

Since the collapse of the nuclear deal, Iran has surpassed the program's curbs and is now enriching uranium up to a level of 60% purity, which is close to weapons-grade levels. Additionally, surveillance cameras installed by the IAEA have been affected, and Iran has restricted access to experienced inspectors from the Vienna-based organization. Iranian officials have even hinted at the possibility of pursuing atomic weapons.

Meanwhile, tensions between Iran and Israel have reached new heights during the Israel-Hamas conflict in the Gaza Strip. Iran launched an unprecedented drone-and-missile attack on Israel in April, and threats of retaliation against Israel were made following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. These developments have further complicated the regional dynamics.

President Pezeshkian, who assumed office following the unfortunate demise of his predecessor in a helicopter crash, campaigned on a promise to reengage with the West through negotiations. Khamenei's recent remarks may provide the political cover necessary for Pezeshkian to pursue these diplomatic efforts. Notably, Pezeshkian's newly-appointed foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, played a significant role in the negotiations of the 2015 nuclear deal.

Amid the ongoing tensions, Khamenei emphasized the importance of not abandoning goals or principles easily, suggesting that tactical retreats may be necessary but should not lead to the abandonment of Iran's objectives. It is crucial to recognize that not only Iran, but the United States also faces an upcoming presidential election on November 5, with Vice President Kamala Harris and Donald Trump as the leading candidates. Concerns have been raised in Iran about the potential return of Trump to power.

While the US has engaged in indirect talks with Iran under President Joe Biden, the implications for a possible Harris administration remain unclear. In a recent speech at the Democratic National Convention, Harris affirmed her commitment to defending US forces and interests against Iran and Iran-backed terrorists, indicating that her approach would prioritize national security.

According to the risk-intelligence firm, RANE Network, if Harris wins the election, the likelihood of a deal with Iran may increase as the Israel-Hamas conflict nears its resolution. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected in the coming months as diplomatic efforts unfold.