The United States and Iran have signaled a willingness to negotiate a deal to de-escalate tensions between the two countries, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held meetings on the situation. The potential for talks comes as the US has increased its military presence in the Middle East.
Negotiations on the Horizon
A senior American official said Sunday that the Trump administration is open to holding talks with Iran as early as this week, according to Axios. Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar are reportedly working to facilitate a meeting this week between White House special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian officials in Ankara, Turkey.
US officials stated that President Trump’s calls for a deal are genuine and not a prelude to military action. Trump recently described the US naval presence in the region as a “massive armada.”
Recent Conflicts and Warnings
Amid last year’s 12-day war between Israel and Iran, an Israeli official revealed that the US intentionally downplayed the likelihood of a strike as part of a deception campaign.
Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, earlier Sunday warned that a US attack could trigger a regional war. Trump responded to this warning, stating, “Why wouldn’t he say that? Of course he is going to say that.” He added that if a deal isn’t reached, “we’ll find out whether or not he was right.”
Iran’s Position
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed confidence Sunday that an agreement with the United States on Iran’s nuclear program is achievable. However, he emphasized that negotiations should focus solely on the nuclear program, excluding discussions about Iran’s ballistic missile program or support for proxy groups.
“Let’s not talk about impossible things,” Araghchi said. “And not lose the opportunity to achieve a fair and equitable deal to ensure no nuclear weapons.”
Israel’s Concerns and US Military Movements
Israel targeted Iran’s ballistic missile program during last year’s conflict and has worked to weaken groups funded by Tehran. Trump has also cautioned Iran against expanding its ballistic missile stockpile.
Netanyahu reportedly met Sunday evening with IDF Chief Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir upon Zamir’s return from meetings in Washington with US officials regarding Iran. Defense Minister Israel Katz and Mossad chief David Barnea were also reportedly present. Reports indicate discussions suggest the US is closer to a potential attack on Iran than it was a week ago, though the scope of any such attack remains unclear.
The USS Delbert D. Black, a US missile destroyer, departed the Red Sea port city of Eilat on Sunday following a scheduled port visit, according to the US Naval Forces Central Command.
Continued Anxiety
Former IDF military intelligence chief Amos Yadlin warned on Sunday that while Iran may not preemptively initiate war, “jihadi logic, extremist religious logic” could lead to unexpected actions. He urged thorough IDF preparedness. Yadlin also noted the strategic advantage gained by those who strike first in recent regional conflicts and highlighted Iran’s desire for revenge for last June’s war with Israel.
Yadlin stated that the IDF is collaborating closely with the US military, sharing lessons learned from past conflicts with Iran, particularly last year’s war, where over 200 Iranian missile launchers were reportedly destroyed.
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