Trump: Iran Seeks Deal Amid Escalating Tensions and Military Presence

Tue Feb 03 2026 01:51:43 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a recent statement, President Trump emphasized Iran's willingness to negotiate a deal, while Tehran maintains its missile defenses and nuclear program are off the table. As a large US naval fleet gathers in the Gulf, pressures mount for diplomatic resolutions.

President Donald Trump stated that Iran is interested in negotiating a deal instead of facing US military action, even as Iran insists its missile capabilities are not up for discussion. The comments come amid increased military presence in the Gulf and assertions from both sides regarding the ongoing tensions. Iran's Foreign Minister has reiterated that talks require mutual respect, while reports highlight the human toll from recent events in Iran.

President Donald Trump has asserted that Iran wants to reach a deal rather than confront US military action, despite Tehran’s firm stance that its missile and defense systems are 'never' negotiable.

During a press briefing at the White House, Trump remarked, 'I can say this, they do want to make a deal,' but refrained from disclosing specifics regarding the buildup of US military forces in the Gulf.

On Wednesday, he warned Tehran that time was 'running out' to negotiate a new agreement concerning its nuclear ambitions, coinciding with the deployment of a large US naval fleet near Iranian waters.

Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, stated that although there are no current talks planned with the US, the country remains open to negotiations based on 'mutual respect' and trust.

In related developments, the Kremlin disclosed that Ali Larijani, head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss various regional issues, as state-owned media reported.

This comes as Iran continues to assert that its nuclear program is peaceful and denies accusations from the US and allies suggesting otherwise.

President Trump has been vocal about what Iran must do to avoid military action, demanding that it suspend its nuclear endeavors and cease violence against protesters. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency has indicated the death toll from protests in Iran could exceed 6,300, with estimates of total fatalities potentially reaching 25,000 due to ongoing unrest.

Ahead of any potential negotiations, Iranian officials insist that their missile defense systems will not be open for discussion, emphasizing the need for fair negotiations as tensions mount in the region.