Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump stated his belief that Iran is seeking a negotiated deal instead of engaging in a military confrontation, amid the escalating tensions between the two nations concerning Iran's nuclear program.

According to Thai News Agency, President Trump expressed that Iran's preference is to reach a deal to avoid a military conflict. He mentioned that such a deal would be favorable if possible, but acknowledged the uncertainty of the situation if an agreement could not be reached. Trump also disclosed that a substantial U.S. fleet, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, is being dispatched to the Middle East. This fleet is reportedly larger than the one used in the mission to capture former Venezuelan leader Nicol¡s Maduro. Additionally, the U.S. leader suggested that a deadline has been communicated to the Iranian government, with major conditions of the deal including Iran's non-possession of nuclear weapons and an end to its suppression of protests.

In response to the U.S. stance, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, currently visiting Turkey, stated that Iran is open to negotiations grounded in mutual respect, equality, and fairness. He firmly emphasized that Iran's missile program pertains to internal security and should not be part of the negotiation discussions. Araghchi also noted that no meetings have been scheduled between Iran and the United States to address the ongoing nuclear program conflict, which has persisted for over two decades.