A file photo of Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi. PHOTO: REUTERS
WASHINGTON/TEHRAN:
Diplomatic engagement between Iran and the US will resume as both sides prepare for indirect talks in Geneva on Thursday (tomorrow), even as military postures and political rhetoric continue to heighten regional uncertainty.
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi said Tehran is ready to take “any necessary steps” to reach a nuclear deal with Washington. Speaking through state media, he stressed that Iran would enter into negotiations with “complete honesty and good faith” and aimed to secure an agreement as soon 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 US expanded its military presence in the Middle East.
The diplomatic opening comes alongside strong warnings from Tehran. Iranian officials said the country would respond “cruelly” to any US military strike. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said even a limited attack would be considered an act of aggression and would trigger defensive retaliation under Iran’s military plans.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Donald Trump continues to prioritize diplomacy but will not rule out lethal force if necessary. Trump has reportedly questioned why Iran has not “capitulated” to US pressure, a remark criticized by Iranian officials.
Trump on Tuesday dismissed reports of any disagreement with senior military leadership over Iran policy, saying on social media that there was no rift with the country’s top general over potential operations.
Trump said that while military action was not the preferred option, the United States would be able to achieve 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 carried out.
Iranian negotiators have signaled possible flexibility on nuclear issues. Tehran may consider sending half of its stockpile of highly enriched uranium abroad, diluting the rest and joining a regional enrichment consortium if the United States recognizes Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy and lifts economic sanctions.
The nuclear dispute remains the central obstacle. Washington wants Iran to abandon uranium enrichment on its territory, which US officials see as a potential path to weapons. Iran has consistently denied any intention to develop nuclear weapons and insists that its program is purely civilian.
Military tensions are exacerbated by regional security concerns. The United States and Israel previously carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, significantly limiting enrichment operations, although Tehran is believed to retain enriched uranium reserves.
International reactions have reflected anxiety over possible escalation. India, Sweden, Poland and Australia have advised citizens to leave Iran. Meanwhile, the United States ordered non-emergency diplomatic personnel to leave its embassy in Lebanon, where Hezbollah maintains strong regional ties.
China has called for restraint, with Ambassador Shen Jian warning against the unilateral use of force in international relations.
Domestic unrest in Iran has increased pressure on the authorities. University protests have resurfaced following financial difficulties linked to international sanctions. Videos circulating online showed students in Tehran burning national flags and shouting anti-government slogans.
