U.S. President Says Iran Wants Talks Despite Naval Buildup
U.S. President Donald Trump said that Iran has attempted to contact Washington and is “interested in making a deal”, even as a U.S. aircraft carrier strike group, including the USS Abraham Lincoln, arrives in the Middle East amid heightened tensions. Trump described the naval presence as a “big armada” positioned near Iran, reinforcing U.S. deterrence while keeping diplomatic options open.
Trump told Axios that Iran’s authorities have called on “numerous occasions” and “want to talk,” though he did not specify terms or detailed plans for negotiations. He also reaffirmed that the U.S. remains prepared to discuss terms if Iran reaches out with clear conditions.
A senior U.S. official reiterated that Washington is “open for business” when it comes to talks, signalling that diplomatic engagement has not been ruled out even as military assets are deployed.
Military Posture and Regional Reactions
U.S. Central Command confirmed that the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group is now in the region, providing significant firepower and strategic positioning within range of Iran. The deployment is meant to “promote regional security and stability,” though some analysts view it as also increasing the chances of miscalculation.
Tensions remain high following Iran’s crackdown on widespread anti‑government protests, which rights groups say have resulted in thousands of deaths. Trump had previously threatened possible military action if the regime continued deadly repression, though recent reports suggest the U.S. has held back from direct strikes amid diplomatic signals.
Diplomacy Status and Official Lines
Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva stated that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff have been in contact, but no formal, fixed channel of communication or official negotiation has been established.
Scholars and analysts note that while military options remain under consideration by Trump’s national security team, the diplomatic track persists as a possible route out of escalating confrontation, reflecting a dual approach of pressure‑plus‑engagement.
