Iran is ready for negotiations, but they must be based on mutual respect, and the fundamental and elementary principles must be maintained, Iranian ambassador to Armenia Khalil Shirgholami told a press conference Wednesday.

"We [i.e. Iran] have never avoided negotiations," he added.

The Iranian diplomat confirmed that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has held talks with the US president's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, over the past two days.

Shirgholami said that one of the Persian Gulf countries has taken steps to hold negotiations mediated by a third country.

"[US President Donald] Trump cannot say something new every day, he must make a decision. If he wants to hold realistic negotiations based on mutual respect, then Iran is ready for it," noted the Iranian ambassador to Armenia.