President Donald Trump has stated that Iran wants to make a deal rather than face U.S. military action, despite Tehran's insistence that its missile and defense systems will 'never' be up for negotiation.
I can say this, they do want to make a deal, Trump told reporters at the White House when asked about the build-up of U.S. military forces in the Gulf, without providing further details.
He had warned Tehran earlier this week that time was 'running out' to negotiate a deal regarding its nuclear program, as a substantial U.S. naval fleet had assembled near the Iranian coast.
Iran's foreign minister responded that no talks with the U.S. are planned currently, yet they were open to negotiations based on 'mutual respect' and trust.
President Trump also mentioned that a large 'Armada' was en route to the region but did not specify when it might be withdrawn, saying, 'We'll see how it all works out. They have to float someplace, so they might as well float near Iran.'
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated that the nation’s missile defense systems would 'never' be on the negotiating table, asserting the country's right to pursue a peaceful nuclear program despite allegations from the U.S.
On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Ali Larijani, head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, discussing various regional and global issues.
Trump’s remarks regarding a nuclear deal emerged after he promised assistance to those participating in protests against the Iranian government, noting that help was 'on the way' and stating he had been informed that the execution of demonstrators had ceased.
The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency verified the deaths of over 6,300 individuals, with more than 5,900 reported protesters killed since the unrest erupted in late December. Another organization warns the total casualties could surpass 25,000.
