Iran Signals Progress in Talks as Tensions Remain

TEHRAN: (Web Desk) – Iran signaled progress toward possible negotiations with the United States on Saturday, even as tensions remained high following warnings from Iran’s military leadership against any US or Israeli strikes.

Ali Larijani, head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said that “structural arrangements for negotiations are progressing,” downplaying what he called media hype around confrontation. His remarks came a day after talks in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

US President Donald Trump later confirmed that dialogue between Washington and Tehran was underway, while maintaining that a large US naval force, including the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, had been deployed to the region. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated that Iran does not seek war, warning that a broader conflict would harm both sides and destabilize the region.

Five Killed in Separate Explosions Across Iran

Meanwhile, Iran’s army chief Amir Hatami said the country’s forces were on full defensive readiness and warned that any attack would have serious regional consequences. Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions continued, with Qatar’s prime minister holding talks in Tehran. The situation remains volatile amid ongoing protests in Iran, disputed casualty figures, naval exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, and heightened military posturing by both sides.