The United States has said it is ready to engage Iran diplomatically if Tehran chooses to reach out, even as pressure mounts through military deployments and strict conditions tied to Iran’s nuclear program and regional activities.
A senior US official said on Monday that Washington is “open for business” if Iran wishes to make contact, stressing that Tehran is already aware of the terms required for talks.
“I think they know the terms. They’re aware of the terms,” the official told reporters when questioned about negotiations.
The remarks come as the United States increases pressure on Iran following a government crackdown on protesters and renewed concerns over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.
Trump issues warning
US President Donald Trump said last Thursday that an American “armada” was heading toward Iran, though he added he hoped it would not be used. He renewed warnings against Iran killing protesters or restarting its nuclear program.
Trump noted that nationwide demonstrations in Iran have since subsided and said he had been informed that killings were decreasing. He also said he believes there is currently no plan for the execution of prisoners.
US naval forces in Middle East
Two US officials confirmed on Monday that a US aircraft carrier and supporting warships have arrived in the Middle East.
The move expands President Trump’s military options, both to defend US forces and potentially to take action against Iran.
The US military has historically surged forces into the region during periods of heightened tension, often for defensive purposes.
However, a major buildup last year preceded US strikes in June against Iran’s nuclear program.
Iran warns of 'all-out war' response
Iran has responded sharply to the latest US signals. A senior Iranian official said on Friday that any attack on Iran would be treated as “an all-out war against us.”
According to US media, Washington has laid out four core conditions for any agreement with Iran: complete elimination of enriched uranium, barring uranium enrichment inside Iran altogether, limits on Iranian ballistic missiles, and that Iran end its support for regional proxy groups.
US media report that these conditions have already been conveyed to Iran’s leadership.
Military options, blockade
White House officials have confirmed that the option of attacking Iran remains on the table. President Trump is expected to hold further consultations on Iran later this week, with additional military options to be presented.
Israeli media have reported that the United States is considering a naval blockade of Iran. Such a move would aim to halt Iran’s oil exports by sea, significantly increasing economic pressure on Tehran.
The United States has framed its approach as one that leaves space for diplomacy while maintaining maximum pressure.
With military assets in place and strict conditions set, the coming days are expected to be critical for US-Iran relations.
