An archive image of Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi. PHOTO: REUTERS
WASHINGTON/TEHRAN:
Diplomatic engagement between Iran and the United States is expected to resume as the two sides prepare for indirect talks in Geneva on Thursday (tomorrow), even as military posturing and political rhetoric continue to increase regional uncertainty.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi said Tehran was ready to take “all necessary steps” to reach a nuclear deal with Washington. Speaking through state media, he stressed that Iran would enter negotiations with “honesty and good faith” and aimed to reach an agreement as quickly as possible.
The talks are expected to involve US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, according to senior US officials. Negotiations resumed earlier this month as the United States expanded its military presence in the Middle East.
This diplomatic opening is accompanied by strong warnings from Tehran. Iranian officials have said the country would respond “ferociously” to any U.S. military strike. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said even a limited attack would be considered an act of aggression and trigger defensive retaliation under Iran’s military plans.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Donald Trump continues to prioritize diplomacy but would not rule out the use of deadly force if necessary. Trump reportedly questioned why Iran had not “capitulated” to US pressure, a remark criticized by Iranian officials.
Trump on Tuesday denied reports of any disagreement with top military officials over Iran policy, saying on social media that there was no disagreement with the country’s top general over possible operations.
Trump said that while military action was not the preferred option, the United States would be capable of achieving a decisive victory if a confrontation with Iran became inevitable. He added that most military leaders also preferred to avoid war, but believed that any authorized operation would be “easily won” if undertaken.
Iranian negotiators have signaled possible flexibility on nuclear issues. Tehran could consider sending half of its highly enriched uranium stockpile abroad, diluting the rest and participating in a regional enrichment consortium if the United States recognizes Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy and lifts economic sanctions.
The nuclear conflict remains the main obstacle. Washington wants Iran to abandon uranium enrichment on its territory, which American authorities see as a potential path to militarization. Iran has consistently denied any intention to develop nuclear weapons, insisting its program is purely civilian.
Military tensions are compounded by regional security concerns. The United States and Israel have already carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, significantly limiting enrichment operations, although Tehran appears to retain reserves of enriched uranium.
International reactions reflected concern over a possible escalation. India, Sweden, Poland and Australia have advised their citizens to leave Iran. Meanwhile, the United States ordered non-emergency diplomatic personnel to leave its embassy in Lebanon, where Hezbollah maintains close regional ties.
China has called for restraint, with Ambassador Shen Jian warning against the unilateral use of force in international relations.
Internal unrest in Iran has increased pressure on the authorities. University protests have reappeared following economic difficulties linked to international sanctions. Videos circulating online showed students in Tehran burning national flags and chanting anti-government slogans.
