Washington and Tehran are still engaged in diplomatic contacts aimed at lowering tensions in the Gulf region, even as the United States confirmed that one of its warships shot down an Iranian drone near a key naval deployment.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump said discussions with Iran are ongoing, though he avoided giving details about where or how the talks are being conducted. His remarks came shortly after the US military disclosed that an Iranian unmanned aerial vehicle was intercepted after it flew close to an American aircraft carrier operating in the Arabian Sea.
“They’re talking to us right now,” Trump said, adding that negotiations are happening through multiple channels. He suggested that Iran is interested in reaching some form of understanding but stressed that previous opportunities had been missed.
The drone incident has renewed attention on the fragile security situation in the Gulf, where US naval forces have increased their presence in recent weeks. The USS Abraham Lincoln and its carrier strike group arrived in the region last week, bringing thousands of additional US troops and advanced military assets. The deployment has raised concerns among analysts about the risk of miscalculation between the two long-time adversaries.
Trump also referenced last year’s US military operation against Iranian nuclear sites, indicating that Washington remains prepared to use force if diplomacy fails. However, regional powers have recently intensified efforts to cool down tensions, pushing both sides toward dialogue rather than confrontation.
On the Iranian side, President Masoud Pezeshkian signaled a cautious openness to negotiations. Earlier the same day, he instructed his foreign minister to seek talks with the United States based on fairness and mutual respect, provided that conditions are suitable for meaningful engagement.
Despite the diplomatic signals, the situation remains delicate. Military movements, political pressure, and unresolved disputes over Iran’s nuclear program continue to cast a shadow over the talks. Observers say the coming days will be crucial in determining whether diplomacy can prevent another escalation in one of the world’s most sensitive regions.
