US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that talks were underway with Iran and hinted at the possibility of a deal that would avoid military strikes. The comments came after Trump deployed a naval battle group to the region, citing concerns over Iran's nuclear program and missile tests.
The US president's comments raised fears of a direct confrontation with Iran, which has warned it would respond with missile strikes on US bases, ships, and allies if attacked. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had previously warned that any attack by the US would spark a regional war, citing Iran's right to defend itself against threats.
Trump hinted at a deal with Iran, saying "The plan is that [Iran] is talking to us, and we'll see if we can do something. Otherwise, we'll see what happens." However, he refused to confirm whether the US had decided on a course of action regarding intervention in Iran.
The arrival of the naval battle group has raised tensions between the two countries, with fears of a direct confrontation growing by the hour. Iranian officials have denied reports of plans for military exercises or drills near US forces, but warned that any attempt to provoke them would be met with force.
Trump's comments have been welcomed by some as a sign of a willingness to negotiate with Iran, while others have expressed concern that the US is walking back on its hardline stance towards Tehran. The situation remains highly volatile, with both sides continuing to trade barbs and warnings in a escalating game of chicken.
The US president's comments raised fears of a direct confrontation with Iran, which has warned it would respond with missile strikes on US bases, ships, and allies if attacked. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had previously warned that any attack by the US would spark a regional war, citing Iran's right to defend itself against threats.
Trump hinted at a deal with Iran, saying "The plan is that [Iran] is talking to us, and we'll see if we can do something. Otherwise, we'll see what happens." However, he refused to confirm whether the US had decided on a course of action regarding intervention in Iran.
The arrival of the naval battle group has raised tensions between the two countries, with fears of a direct confrontation growing by the hour. Iranian officials have denied reports of plans for military exercises or drills near US forces, but warned that any attempt to provoke them would be met with force.
Trump's comments have been welcomed by some as a sign of a willingness to negotiate with Iran, while others have expressed concern that the US is walking back on its hardline stance towards Tehran. The situation remains highly volatile, with both sides continuing to trade barbs and warnings in a escalating game of chicken.