US-Iran tensions remain despite reported progress in diplomatic talks

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Head Ali Larijani has stated that progress is being made in efforts to establish a framework for negotiations with the United States. In a social media post on Saturday, Larijani said that “the formation of a structure for negotiations is progressing”. The post did not provide further details about the proposed framework.

Tensions between Iran and the US have been escalating over recent weeks, amid repeated threats by US President Donald Trump to attack the country and push to curtail its nuclear program. The Trump administration has also deployed a naval force to the region, led by the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, which has raised concerns about a possible military confrontation.

Senior Iranian leaders have expressed openness to negotiations with Washington, but only once Trump stops making threats against the country. Earlier this week, Trump stated that US vessels being sent to Iran were prepared to use “violence, if necessary” if Iran refused to engage in talks on its nuclear program.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has warned Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) about plans to hold a two-day naval exercise in the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM stated that any unsafe behavior near US forces or regional partners could increase risks of collision, escalation, and destabilization.

Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs Abbas Araghchi responded to the warning, saying that the US military operating off Iran’s shores was attempting to dictate how Iranian forces should conduct military drills. Araghchi also criticized CENTCOM for requesting “professionalism” from a national military designated as a terrorist organization by the US government.

Reports from Tehran indicate that the situation remains fragile and delicate amid the US military buildup in the region. However, Larijani’s statement about progress being made on negotiations efforts has been seen as a positive development. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing, with senior Iranian officials holding talks with allies to prevent a confrontation between Washington and Tehran.

Source: Al Jazeera