Trump Suggests Iran Negotiating to Avoid Military Confrontation
US President Donald Trump has indicated that Iran is engaging in discussions with the United States, hinting at a potential agreement to prevent military strikes. Speaking to Fox News, Trump stated, "[Iran is] talking to us, and we'll see if we can do something, otherwise we'll see what happens ... We have a big fleet heading out there." He added, "They are negotiating," suggesting diplomatic efforts are underway amidst escalating tensions.
Security Concerns Limit Information Sharing with Allies
Trump revealed that US allies in the region are not being informed of plans for possible military actions due to security reasons. "Well, we can't tell them the plan. If I told them the plan, it would be almost as bad as telling you the plan – it could be worse, actually," he explained. This comes as Washington has deployed a naval battle group, led by the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, off Iran's shores. The deployment follows Trump's threats to intervene in response to Iran's deadly crackdown on anti-government protests, raising fears of a direct confrontation.
Iran's Warnings and Readiness for Nuclear Talks
Iran has responded with stern warnings, stating it would retaliate with missile strikes on US bases, ships, and allies, particularly Israel, if attacked. However, Trump expressed belief that Iran would prefer to reach a deal over its nuclear and missile programmes rather than face American military action. Tehran has indicated readiness for nuclear talks, provided its missiles and defence capabilities are excluded from the agenda. Ali Larijani, head of Iran's supreme national security council, noted, "Contrary to the hype of the contrived media war, structural arrangements for negotiations are progressing," following talks in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Iranian Leaders Emphasise Avoidance of War
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasised that a broader conflict would be detrimental to both Iran and the US. In a call with Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fatah al-Sisi, he stated, "The Islamic Republic of Iran has never sought, and in no way seeks, war and it is firmly convinced that a war would be in the interest of neither Iran, nor the United States, nor the region." Meanwhile, Iran's army chief, Amir Hatami, warned the US and Israel against any attack, asserting that Iranian forces are "at full defensive and military readiness" to respond. He added that Iran's nuclear technology "cannot be eliminated," highlighting the nation's defensive posture.
Heightened Tensions and Denials of Sabotage
Amidst the heightened tensions, Iranian authorities denied that several incidents on Saturday, including an explosion in Bandar Abbas attributed to a gas leak, were linked to attacks or sabotage. On Friday, US Central Command announced that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) would conduct a two-day live-fire naval exercise in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy transit hub. The US warned against "any unsafe and unprofessional behaviour near US forces," drawing criticism from Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, who accused the US of attempting to dictate Iran's military exercises in its own waters.
Background of Protests and Designations
The US designated the IRGC as a terrorist organisation in 2019, a move recently followed by the European Union, prompting angry reactions from Tehran. In June, the US conducted strikes on key Iranian nuclear sites during Israel's conflict with regional foes. Nationwide protests in Iran, initially over the rising cost of living, evolved into a broader anti-government movement, with authorities blaming the US and Israel. The official death toll stands at 3,117, though US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported 6,563 confirmed deaths, including many protesters and children. Pezeshkian urged his government to address public grievances following the demonstrations.
