Tehran/Washington, Feb 1 (.) A senior Iranian security official, close to the Islamic Republic’s top leadership said on Saturday that efforts to open negotiations between Iran and the US are currently moving forward, even as Washington ramps up military pressure in the region by moving its naval armada near the country.
Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and a close confidant of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, pushing back against what he termed sensationalist news, wrote on X: “Contrary to the artificially manufactured media war narrative, the formation of a framework for negotiations is progressing.”
His comments come as bilateral tensions between Tehran and Washington are at an all-time high, with US President Donald Trump ordering a large military buildup in the Gulf as part of preparations for a possible strike on Iran. However, White House officials insist no final decision has been reached, repeatedly stating that diplomacy remains an option.
Larijani’s remarks followed a high-profile meeting in Tehran with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, whose government has been actively mediating between Washington and Tehran for easing tensions.
Diplomatic activity has extended well beyond the Gulf, as Egypt’s president, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, held a phone call on Saturday with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, urging both sides to return to the negotiating table, according to a statement from the Egyptian presidency.
Larijani also travelled to Moscow earlier this week, where he met Russian President Vladimir Putin, with Russia playing a crucial mediating role between the two countries.
Regarding the possibility of making well on his threats of a full-on attack, Trump has been noted to be far more guarded, giving mixed signals during his Saturday interview on Fox News.
When asked about the situation, Trump said that Iran has been negotiating with US officials over its nuclear programme, though he was far more sceptical over Tehran’s intentions, and heavily doubted its sincerity.
Referencing past talks and their failure in curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions, he simply said “We’ll see what happens.”
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, warning US against any military action said that while Tehran is more than ready to negotiate, it won’t do so under military threat.
Adding that Turkey and several other countries are working with Iran to shape a framework for potential talks, including possible venues and an agenda, he remarked “I hope we can soon reach a clear framework that can guarantee dignified negotiations.”
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