Web Desk (MNN); United States President Donald Trump said on Friday that he believes Iran wants to strike a deal to prevent military conflict, and highlighted that the U.S. naval force currently positioned near Iran is larger than the one previously sent toward Venezuela.
Trump spoke to reporters from the Oval Office at the White House, referring to the American armada now en route to the Middle East. “We have a large armada, flotilla, call it whatever you want, heading to Iran right now. Even larger than what we had in Venezuela,” he said, stressing that diplomatic agreement remains possible.
“We hope we can make a deal. If we do, that’s good. If we don’t, we’ll see what happens,” Trump added, while refusing to publicly outline military plans. When asked whether Iran has been given a deadline for negotiations on its nuclear program, ballistic missiles, and other issues, Trump replied that “only they know for sure,” indicating the timeline had been communicated privately.
Trump also pointed to what he described as Iran’s decision to stop executions of protesters as a sign of Tehran’s willingness to engage. He declined to specify whether another dramatic military operation, similar to the recent action in Venezuela, would follow if no agreement is reached, saying, “I don’t want to talk about anything having to do with what I’m doing militarily.”
Hours earlier, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran was prepared to resume talks with Washington, provided negotiations are fair and do not include pressure over Iran’s defense capabilities. He stressed that dialogue should be based on equality and devoid of coercion.
The statements come amid heightened tensions after the United States has increased its military presence in the region, a move that has drawn international concern and warnings from Iran that any attack could prompt an immediate military response.
