TEHRAN - The former director of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization has expressed optimism about the looming nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States. 

However, Ali Akbar Salehi has warned about “mischief” by some foreign actors and ill-timed positions taken by certain domestic figures. 

Policy-making and decision-making in the country need to be both “fast and accurate,” Salehi suggested.

In an interview with ISNA, Salehi said, “Regarding the recent developments related to nuclear talks, I would like to be optimistic. Opportunities pass like clouds, and my only concern is the mischief of some foreign players and the untimely positions taken by some inside the country, which I hope will be managed.”

Salehi, a nuclear physicist, added: “What is extremely vital for us under the current circumstances is preserving national unity, as well as vigilance, wisdom, and prudence in domestic affairs and international interactions. We are facing multiple interconnected challenges, including livelihood, security, regional, and international issues. Therefore, policy-making and decision-making in the country must be swift and correct.”

Salehi, who also served as foreign minister from 2010 to 2013, called Foreign Minister Abbas and Ali Larijani, the current secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), wise and competent negotiators. 

Larijani, as the SNSC secretary plays an important role in decision-making in important issues, including nuclear policy. Larijani served as Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator in the first months of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s presidency in 2005. However, he resigned due to differences with Ahmadinejad.  

Foreign Minister Araghchi and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff will lead the talks. 

Reportedly, the talks going to be held face-to-face. 

The talks were planned to be held in Istanbul. However, Iran’s Foreign Ministry announced on Tuesday that the talks may be held in Muscat, Oman.

The talks came to a standstill since Israel launched a surprise and unprovoked war on Iran in June 2025.

“Based on my familiarity with Dr. Larijani and Dr. Araghchi, I believe that matters will ultimately move forward with wisdom and proper management, and I pray to God Almighty to grant these individuals and their colleagues even greater success during this sensitive period and critical historical juncture.”

President Masoud Pezeshkian, earlier this week, instructed Foreign Minister Araghchi to take steps toward holding negotiations with the American side in order to begin “fair and equitable” talks based on the principle of dignity.

In his message on X, Pezeshkian wrote: “In response to requests from friendly governments in the region to reply to the proposal of the U.S. President for negotiations, I have instructed the Foreign Minister, if there is an appropriate atmosphere free of threats and unrealistic expectations, to create the ground for ‘fair and equitable’ negotiations based on the principles of dignity, wisdom, and expediency, within the framework of national interests.”

Officials in the Islamic Republic of Iran have repeatedly stated that they do not reject negotiations, but any dialogue must take place on equal footing, free from threats and pressure, and within the framework of national interests and the principles of “dignity, wisdom, and expediency.”