Iran‘s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the country’s senior clerics have reportedly agreed to resume nuclear negotiations with Western powers, which they see as critical to the Islamic Republic’s survival, according to sources familiar with developments in the Middle East.

The decision, taken after internal consultations in Tehran, marks a shift in the country’s strategy toward Western governments at a time of increasing pressure and economic difficulties.

The same sources said the Iranian leadership perceives the talks as necessary to ensure political and economic stability and to reduce international sanctions that have severely hit the economy.

The move by Hamenei, who has traditionally appeared particularly wary of the West, demonstrates that the Iranian leadership recognizes the need for dialogue in order to maintain influence and balance of power at home.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry did not comment directly on this information. However, diplomatic sources believe that Tehran will attempt to combine negotiations with strengthening its position in the region.