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Iran Says Nuclear Talks Advancing Despite US "Armada" Threat

A senior Iranian security official announced that structural preparations for negotiations with the US are progressing, despite heightened media speculation about conflict. The statement comes as former US President Donald Trump warned on social media that a "massive Armada" is heading toward Iran to pressure it into a nuclear deal. Iran's Foreign Minister stated Tehran is open to dialogue but only on fair terms and will never negotiate its defensive missile capabilities. The exchange highlights ongoing tensions, with the US leveraging military posturing while Iran publicly downplays the threat and emphasizes diplomatic channels.

Key Points: Iran-US Talks Progress Amid Naval Buildup, Says Official

  • Iranian official says talks groundwork advancing
  • Trump warns "massive Armada" is heading to Iran
  • Iran open to talks on "equal footing"
  • Tehran rules out negotiating defense capabilities
3 min read

Iranian official says "structural arrangements for negotiations are progressing" with US amid "armada" buildup

Senior Iranian official states negotiation preparations are advancing, dismissing media hype as Trump warns of a "massive Armada" heading to Iran.

"Contrary to the hype of the contrived media war, structural arrangements for negotiations are progressing. - Ali Larijani"

Tehran, February 1

Amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran and a growing US military presence in the region, a senior Iranian official on Saturday said that preparations for negotiations with the US are moving forward, dismissing what he described as media-driven hype.

Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, Ali Larijani, in a post on X, said that despite speculation and reports of military escalation, the groundwork for talks is advancing.

"Contrary to the hype of the contrived media war, structural arrangements for negotiations are progressing," Larijani said in his post.

However, the Secretary did not mention any details on the framework of the matter.

His remarks come at a time when regional tensions remain elevated between the two sides, with US President Donald Trump stating that "a massive Armada is heading to Iran" on January 28, led by the USS Abraham Lincoln.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump issued a stern warning to Tehran over stalled nuclear talks, saying any future strike would be "far worse".

He stated that the US naval deployment was larger than the previous fleet sent to Venezuela, describing its advance as marked by "great power, enthusiasm, and purpose".

"A massive Armada is heading to Iran. It is moving quickly, with great power, enthusiasm, and purpose. It is a larger fleet, headed by the great Aircraft Carrier Abraham Lincoln, than that sent to Venezuela. Like with Venezuela, it is, ready, willing, and able to rapidly fulfill its mission, with speed and violence, if necessary. Hopefully Iran will quickly "Come to the Table" and negotiate a fair and equitable deal - NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS - one that is good for all parties," Trump stated in his post.

Earlier on Friday, the US President indicated that Iran was prepared to enter negotiations to avert potential American military action, even as Tehran maintained that talks cannot proceed under pressure.

"They do want to make a deal," Trump stated, addressing reporters at the White House.

He also disclosed that a deadline had been set for Iran to begin discussions, though he did not specify the timeframe.

"Hopefully, we'll make a deal. If we don't make a deal, we'll see what happens," Trump added, referencing the deployment of a US naval carrier group near Iran.

Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi outlined Tehran's position, indicating that Iran remains open to dialogue with Washington provided discussions are conducted on fair terms, while firmly ruling out any compromise on the country's defence capabilities.

Araghchi said Iran was "ready to begin negotiations if they take place on an equal footing, based on mutual interests and mutual respect," but stressed, "I want to state firmly that Iran's defensive and missile capabilities will never be subject to negotiation."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
The timing is interesting. High tensions but "structural arrangements progressing"? Sounds like both want a way out without losing face. India has good relations with both countries. This instability is bad for global oil prices and our economy. Hope our diplomats are quietly working behind the scenes.
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Aman W
Trump's language is so aggressive – "speed and violence". This isn't how you get a sovereign nation to negotiate. Iran is right to say talks can't happen under threat. Respectful criticism: The US approach often creates more problems than it solves. A deal needs trust, not just carrier groups.
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Sarah B
Living in Delhi but originally from the US, I see both sides. The Iranian official's statement is actually quite measured. The key line is "equal footing, mutual respect." That's been missing. No country will negotiate its core defense openly under an ultimatum. Hope cooler heads prevail.
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Vikram M
From an Indian strategic perspective, a conflict in the Gulf is the last thing we need. It's right on our doorstep. Impacts our energy security, diaspora, and trade routes. Both sides need to de-escalate. Larijani saying preparations are moving is a positive signal, however small.
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Kavya N
The article mentions "media-driven hype". So true! The 24/7 news cycle amplifies every move. As regular people, it's hard to know what's real posturing and what's genuine progress. Let's hope the "structural arrangements" lead to an actual table for talks, not just more tweets and threats.

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