A senior Iranian government official has stated that the country is prepared to engage in diplomatic talks with the US, but only if Israel agrees to uphold a ceasefire in Gaza. The move comes as the US and Iran continue to be at odds over a range of issues, including the US's withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and its reimposition of sanctions on Iran.
The official's comments were made in response to a question about the potential for US-Iran diplomacy, and were carried by Iranian state media. The US has not yet commented on the development, but it is likely to be closely watched by observers in Washington and Tehran.
The UK Foreign Office has advised British nationals to exercise caution when travelling to the region, citing the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The advice also notes that the situation in Gaza is volatile and could deteriorate at short notice.
The US and Iran have been at odds for years, with tensions escalating in recent months over issues such as the JCPOA and Iran's ballistic missile programme. The reimposition of US sanctions on Iran has had a significant impact on the country's economy, with the value of the rial falling sharply against the US dollar.
The US has imposed a range of sanctions on Iran, including restrictions on the country's oil exports and its access to the global financial system. The move has been widely criticised by Iran and its allies, who argue that it is a form of economic warfare.