WSJ: "Iran Willing to Return to Negotiation Table"

A report has emerged stating that Iran wants to halt hostilities with Israel and resume negotiations.

On the 16th (local time), The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), citing comments from officials, reported that "Iran wants to cease hostilities with Israel and resume negotiations over its nuclear program," adding, "Currently, through Arab mediators, messages are being sent to the United States and Israel, demonstrating moves to de-escalate tensions."

According to the outlet, Iranian authorities expressed that "if the United States does not participate in the attacks, it is willing to return to the negotiation table," indicating that "for the sake of both Iran and Israel, violence should be kept at a controlled level."

In particular, Iran appears to be focusing on the possibility of U.S. military involvement. An Arab diplomatic source stated, "Israel does not have a clear exit strategy and would require U.S. assistance to strike targets such as nuclear enrichment facilities located under mountains," adding, "Iran is aware that the United States is also providing logistical support to Israel. However, Iran wants a promise that the U.S. will not participate in the attacks."

However, Iran has not presented a new compromise regarding nuclear negotiations. According to an Arab diplomatic source, Iran believes Israel lacks the capacity for a prolonged war and deems a diplomatic solution ultimately unavoidable. The report also notes that if talks fail to progress, there is the possibility of accelerating the nuclear program and expanding into full-scale war.

Currently, Israel has not disclosed its position regarding a willingness to halt hostilities. The outlet reported, "Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intends to continue attacks until the nuclear program and ballistic missiles are destroyed," and that "Israel has not sent any response regarding Iran's willingness to cease hostilities." The Israeli military is reportedly planning at least two weeks of airstrikes.

Meanwhile, following the report, the U.S.-based decentralized prediction platform Kalshi saw the probability of U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations rise to 44%.