Iran should pursue direct talks with US, reformist daily says

Iran’s reformist daily Shargh on Tuesday urged the government to engage in direct negotiations with the United States, warning that continued reliance on indirect channels weakens Tehran’s diplomatic stance.

“In the sensitive situation we are in, Iran’s official insistence on indirect talks remains a point of weakness,” the paper wrote. “If there is genuine will for an agreement, text-based exchanges may suffice, but they do not match the high stakes of the negotiations.”

The editorial warned that maintaining distance undermines Iran’s position, especially as other actors, including Israel, have direct access to US officials. “Personal rapport matters in diplomacy. The Israeli side has full access to American officials, while we refuse even to stand beside them,” Shargh said.

The fourth round of nuclear talks, held on Sunday, was described as positive by both sides, though no significant progress was reported. Shargh argued that without direct engagement, efforts risk stalling at a time when both political and economic pressures are mounting.