On Monday, the White House dismissed the possibility of resuming negotiations regarding Iran's civilian nuclear program, despite the election of a new president advocating for the revival of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which was abandoned by the Trump administration in 2018.

President-elect Masoud Pezeshkian, a reformist in Iranian politics, has pledged to work towards Western sanctions relief and supports the idea of engaging directly with the US. However, this stance appears unlikely to be met with a favorable response from the US, given the White House's firm position against reopening talks.

Trita Parsi, executive vice president of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, highlighted that Iran's willingness to seek direct negotiations with the US represents a significant shift in Tehran's policy, particularly in the context of a potential second Trump presidency. Nevertheless, the White House has ruled out such negotiations, and a second Trump administration is not expected to soften its stance on Iran.

"We're not in a position where we're willing to get back to the negotiating table with Iran just based on the fact that they've elected a new president," White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters.

Both Kirby and State Department spokesman Matt Miller have stated that they do not anticipate a change in Iran's policies following the election. "We have no expectation that this election will lead to a fundamental change in Iran's direction or its policies," Miller said.

Amid escalating regional tensions triggered by Israel's assault on Gaza, the US and Iran have engaged in indirect talks in Oman to prevent a direct conflict. However, there are no indications that the US is interested in pursuing negotiations that could lead to sanctions relief.

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