US and Iran Engage in Diplomatic Efforts to Avoid Conflict

US President Donald Trump has renewed threats of US military intervention in Iran if it does not reach a deal to curb its nuclear programme and ballistic missile capacity. The USS Abraham Lincoln, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, has been sent to the Middle East as part of the US Navy’s efforts to promote regional security and stability.

Iranian officials have stated that they are not willing to negotiate under the threat of attack and have signalled their readiness to defend the country. Kazem Gharibabadi, a senior member of the Iranian negotiating team, said that Tehran’s priority is currently to have 200 percent readiness to defend its country.

The US has launched an assault on Iran’s nuclear facilities in the past, resulting in breaches of Israel’s “Iron Dome” defence system. In response, Iran has added 1,000 new strategic drones to its forces, including one-way attack drones and combat, reconnaissance, and cyber-capable systems designed to strike fixed or mobile targets.

Iran is also pursuing diplomatic channels to de-escalate the situation. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Istanbul on Friday to hold high-level talks with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The talks aim to strengthen ties with neighbours based on shared interests, according to Esmaeil Baghaei, Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson.

Similar discussions between Iran’s leadership and representatives of other countries continue. On Thursday, Araghchi spoke with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on a phone call. The situation remains tense, with the US and Iran engaging in diplomatic efforts aimed at avoiding an all-out war.

Source: Al Jazeera