In a significant development concerning escalating tensions in the Middle East, US President Donald Trump has indicated that Iran is actively engaging in discussions with the United States, hinting at a potential diplomatic agreement to avert military confrontation. This comes as a formidable US naval battle group, spearheaded by the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, advances towards Iranian territorial waters, amplifying fears of a direct armed conflict between the two nations.
Trump's Remarks on Negotiations and Military Posture
Speaking during an interview with Fox News, President Trump revealed that Iran is "talking to us," suggesting ongoing negotiations. He stated, "We'll see if we can do something, otherwise we'll see what happens … We have a big fleet heading out there. They are negotiating." Trump further explained that US allies in the region are not being briefed on potential strike plans due to stringent security considerations, remarking, "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."
This military deployment follows Trump's earlier threats to intervene in Iran, prompted by the Iranian government's severe crackdown on widespread anti-government protests. The president has expressed confidence that Iran would prefer to reach a settlement regarding its nuclear and missile programmes rather than face American military action.
Iranian Responses and Readiness
In response to the heightened military presence, Iranian officials have issued stern warnings. Iran's army chief, Amir Hatami, asserted that his forces are "at full defensive and military readiness" to counter any aggression, cautioning that an attack would endanger the security of the US, the region, and Israel. He emphasised that Iran's nuclear technology "cannot be eliminated."
Meanwhile, Ali Larijani, head of Iran's supreme national security council, indicated that "structural arrangements for negotiations are progressing," despite what he described as media hype. This statement came after Larijani held discussions in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin, underscoring Iran's diplomatic outreach.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, in a telephone conversation with Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi, reiterated that Iran does not seek war, believing it would not benefit Iran, the US, or the region. He urged his government to address public grievances following recent demonstrations, advocating for a focus on serving the people.
Incidents and Denials Amid Rising Tensions
As tensions soared, Iranian authorities were quick to dismiss several incidents on Saturday as unrelated to any attack or sabotage. This included an explosion in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas, which local firefighters attributed to a gas leak. These denials aim to prevent further escalation amidst a climate of suspicion and fear.
Additionally, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced plans for a two-day live-fire naval exercise in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies. US Central Command issued a warning against "any unsafe and unprofessional behaviour near US forces," prompting criticism from Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, who accused the US military of attempting to dictate how Iran conducts exercises in its own waters.
Background: Protests and Designations
The current crisis is rooted in nationwide protests that erupted in late December against the rising cost of living, evolving into a broader anti-government movement. Iranian authorities labelled these events as "riots," blaming the US and Israel, and reported an official death toll of 3,117. However, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency has confirmed 6,563 deaths, including 6,170 protesters and 124 children, highlighting the severe human cost.
In a move that has further strained relations, the United States designated the IRGC as a terrorist organisation in 2019, with the European Union following suit recently, eliciting angry reactions from Tehran. The US also conducted strikes on key Iranian nuclear sites in June during a brief involvement in Israel's conflict with regional adversaries.
The situation remains volatile, with diplomatic overtures juxtaposed against military posturing and historical grievances, leaving the international community closely monitoring for any signs of breakthrough or breakdown in this high-stakes geopolitical standoff.
