Washington: US President Donald Trump announced that Iran is "talking seriously" with the United States amid his threats of military action and the presence of a US naval fleet in the Middle East region.
According to Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty, Trump made these statements during an interview with Fox News on January 31, emphasizing the weight of the negotiations. He indicated that a significant US naval force is being deployed in the vicinity of Iran, describing it as a "massive armada," which could act swiftly if necessary. Trump expressed hope for a "fair deal" that would prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Further, Trump stated that the US administration has not disclosed potential military strategies to its allies in the region, citing security concerns. On February 1, he reiterated his aspiration for a diplomatic resolution, stating, "Hopefully, we'll make a deal."
The US president has maintained a stringent stance against Iran's leadership, particularly amidst their crackdown on anti-government protests. Trump has urged Iran to cease its nuclear activities and halt the violence against protesters, demands he claims have been communicated to Iranian officials.
The US military's strategic positioning involves a naval strike group led by the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier off Iran's coast. The unrest in Iran, which began with economic protests on December 28 due to inflation and currency devaluation, has expanded into a significant antiestablishment movement, met with severe governmental retaliation.
The US-based rights organization HRANA reports a confirmed death toll of 6,563, including security personnel, with more fatalities under investigation. Over 49,000 arrests have been recorded. Meanwhile, some unofficial estimates suggest the death count is significantly higher.
The economic upheaval in Iran has roots in the reimposition of sanctions following Trump's 2018 withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a 2015 nuclear deal intended to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons in exchange for sanctions relief.
Iran suspended cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency in 2025 after US and Israeli attacks on its nuclear sites. Trump has continued to press for negotiations, stressing the urgency in a social media post on January 28.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, speaking in Istanbul, indicated Iran's willingness to resume nuclear discussions with the US on a "fair and equitable" basis but emphasized that Iran's missile program remains non-negotiable. While Trump asserted ongoing negotiations, Araqchi stated no direct talks are planned, underscoring the complex diplomatic landscape.
Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian, in discussions with Turkish President Erdogan and Egyptian President Abdel Fatah El-Sisi, emphasized that Iran does not seek war and denounced aggressive actions in the region. The Iranian stance remains firm on preserving its defensive capabilities as non-negotiable.