Washington and Tehran Prepare Ground for Talks
World
Despite increasingly harsh rhetoric, the United States and Iran have signaled openness to negotiations. Amid fears that the standoff could escalate into a military conflict, Qatar, Turkey, and Egypt have stepped up mediation efforts.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei warned that any U.S. attack on Iran would trigger a regional war. U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened military action if Tehran refuses to abandon its nuclear program.
During protests that erupted in Iran in late December and were forcibly suppressed, the United States deployed an aircraft carrier strike group to the Persian Gulf, increasing pressure on Tehran.
On Sunday, Trump said that Washington and Tehran were engaged in “serious talks”. Iranian officials have also confirmed that preparations for negotiations are underway.
Qatar has emerged as a key diplomatic intermediary. On Saturday, Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Thani met in Tehran with Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, who said that “a framework for talks with the United States is taking shape.”
Turkey and Egypt have likewise emphasized their efforts to keep both sides committed to diplomacy and prevent the crisis from escalating into open conflict.
Diplomatic pressure has intensified amid heightened military activity in the region and tougher Iranian rhetoric toward the European Union and Western countries. In an official statement, Qatar reaffirmed its commitment to a peaceful solution and called for “collective restraint rather than confrontation.”
There have also been reports that Iran may transfer enriched uranium to Turkey. Tehran has repeatedly stated it is ready for “honest” negotiations on a nuclear deal that would preserve its defensive capabilities.
During protests that erupted in Iran in late December and were forcibly suppressed, the United States deployed an aircraft carrier strike group to the Persian Gulf, increasing pressure on Tehran.
On Sunday, Trump said that Washington and Tehran were engaged in “serious talks”. Iranian officials have also confirmed that preparations for negotiations are underway.
Qatar has emerged as a key diplomatic intermediary. On Saturday, Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Thani met in Tehran with Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, who said that “a framework for talks with the United States is taking shape.”
Turkey and Egypt have likewise emphasized their efforts to keep both sides committed to diplomacy and prevent the crisis from escalating into open conflict.
Diplomatic pressure has intensified amid heightened military activity in the region and tougher Iranian rhetoric toward the European Union and Western countries. In an official statement, Qatar reaffirmed its commitment to a peaceful solution and called for “collective restraint rather than confrontation.”
There have also been reports that Iran may transfer enriched uranium to Turkey. Tehran has repeatedly stated it is ready for “honest” negotiations on a nuclear deal that would preserve its defensive capabilities.
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