Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has said that his country is ready to reach a nuclear agreement with the United States—if Iran’s national interests are respected. He spoke during a meeting in Tehran, explaining that Iran is open to making a deal as long as it follows a clear plan and protects the country’s needs.

Pezeshkian warned that if the US does not treat Iran as an equal partner in the talks, Iran will continue on its own path.

He also reminded everyone that, as Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has said before, Iran is neither hopeful nor doubtful about the talks—it will simply focus on its own goals.

“Iran does not want any conflict,” the president said. “But we will not accept pressure or threats from anyone.”

These statements came after the second round of indirect talks between Iran and the US took place in Rome. Oman is helping mediate the talks. The first round happened on April 12 in Muscat, and the third round is planned again in Muscat this Saturday.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, said the main thing Iran wants is for the US to remove its sanctions.

US President Donald Trump also commented on the situation. He said the recent talks went “very good” and added that the next steps just need a little more time.

Earlier in March, Trump had sent a letter to Iran’s leaders asking to start discussions about the country’s nuclear program.