Iran’s leading security official has indicated that significant progress has been made in negotiations with the United States, despite strong warnings from the Islamic Republic’s army chief against potential military actions by Washington. Ali Larijani, the head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, emphasized that structural arrangements for negotiations are advancing, countering what he described as exaggerated media narratives regarding conflict.
This announcement follows US President Donald Trump’s revelation that discussions between the two nations are ongoing, albeit with military threats lingering in the backdrop. The US has recently stationed a fleet, including the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, off the coast of Iran, amid heightened tensions after Iran’s violent response to anti-government protests.
During a call with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reassured that Iran has never sought war, expressing concern that further conflict would be detrimental to both nations and the wider region. He reiterated Iran’s stance against war, acknowledging that it would not serve the interests of any party involved.
In media statements, Trump confirmed the dialogue, asserting that Iran is engaging in negotiations and that he is hopeful for a resolution. He also alluded to the possibility of military action if talks fail, stating, “we’ll see what happens… we have a big fleet heading out there.”
Simultaneously, Qatar’s foreign minister met with Larijani in Tehran to facilitate de-escalation of regional tensions, reflecting a growing concern among neighboring states about the potential for open conflict.
Tensions soared further with the US’s naval deployment, prompting Iran’s army chief Amir Hatami to assert that his forces are fully prepared for any possible aggression. Hatami stated that any misstep by the enemy would jeopardize not just its own security, but also the safety of the region and Israel, warning that Iran’s military capabilities cannot be disregarded.
In the backdrop of these significant geopolitical maneuvers, Iranian authorities disputed reports linking several recent incidents, including an explosion in Bandar Abbas, to acts of sabotage. They attributed this incident to a gas leak.
The US Central Command has warned against potentially dangerous maneuvers by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which is set to conduct a naval exercise in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. In response to US assertions about safe conduct during these exercises, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized the US for attempting to influence the operational protocols of Iran’s military on its own territory.
The tensions have been exacerbated by the tragic fallout from recent protests in Iran over rising living costs, which have escalated into a wider anti-government movement. Official figures report at least 3,117 fatalities from related violence, while human rights organizations suggest the death toll might be as high as 6,713, including numerous children. As calls for governmental accountability grow louder, there are indications of public discontent directed towards the clerical leadership, with citizens voicing a desire for change and an end to oppressive measures.
