Iran says negotiation framework with U.S. is taking shape amid high tensions

Iran says negotiation framework with U.S. is taking shape amid high tensions
Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani speaks after meeting with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, in Beirut, Lebanon 13 August, 2025
Reuters

Iran’s top security official says a structured framework for negotiations with the United States is beginning to emerge, as regional diplomacy intensifies amid heightened military and political tensions.

Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said on Saturday that a “structured framework” for negotiations with Washington is “taking shape and moving forward,” dismissing what he described as exaggerated media narratives portraying an imminent war.

Larijani’s remarks come as several regional actors, most notably Türkiye, step up mediation efforts aimed at easing tensions between Tehran and Washington.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi travelled to Istanbul on Friday for talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. Following the meetings, Araghchi said Iran remains open to negotiations based on “mutual respect.”

Larijani also made a brief visit to Moscow, where he held closed-door talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin confirmed the meeting, though no details were disclosed.

Tensions between Iran and the United States have escalated in recent weeks following protests inside Iran and strong warnings from U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump has pledged support for protesters and urged Tehran to abandon its nuclear ambitions.

Earlier this week, Trump announced that a large U.S. naval force was moving toward the region, raising fears of a direct confrontation. He has repeatedly warned Iran to return to negotiations or face severe consequences.

Iranian officials insist the country does not seek nuclear weapons and say they are prepared to engage diplomatically, while maintaining that Iran’s armed forces remain on maximum alert.

Military commanders in Tehran have warned that Iran would respond forcefully to any attack by the United States or Israel, underscoring the fragile balance between diplomacy and escalation as mediation efforts continue.

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