A file image of Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi. PHOTO: REUTERS
WASHINGTON/TEHRAN:
Diplomatic engagement between Iran and the United States will resume as both sides prepare for indirect talks in Geneva on Thursday (tomorrow), even as military posturing and political rhetoric continue to heighten regional uncertainty.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi said Tehran is ready to take “any necessary measures” to reach a nuclear deal with Washington. Speaking through state media, he emphasized that Iran would enter into negotiations with “complete honesty and good faith” and aims to secure a deal as quickly as possible.
U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to participate in the talks, according to senior U.S. officials. Negotiations resumed earlier this month as the United States expanded its military presence in the Middle East.
The diplomatic opening is accompanied by strong warnings from Tehran. Iranian officials said the country would respond “ferociously” to any US military attack. 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 has reportedly questioned why Iran has not “capitulated” under US pressure, a comment criticized by Iranian officials.
Trump on Tuesday denied reports of any disagreements with senior military leaders regarding Iran policy, stating on social media that there was no division 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 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 it were carried out.
Iranian negotiators have signaled possible flexibility on nuclear issues. Tehran could consider sending half of its stockpile of highly enriched uranium 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 dispute remains the main obstacle. Washington wants Iran to abandon uranium enrichment on its territory, which U.S. officials see as a potential path to weapons use. 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 previously carried out attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, significantly limiting enrichment operations, although Tehran is believed to retain stockpiles of enriched uranium.
International reactions have reflected anxiety over a possible escalation. India, Sweden, Poland and Australia have advised their citizens to leave Iran. Meanwhile, the United States ordered non-emergency diplomatic staff to leave its embassy in Lebanon, where Hezbollah maintains strong regional ties.
China has urged restraint and Ambassador Shen Jian warned against the unilateral use of force in international relations.
Internal unrest within Iran has increased pressure on authorities. University protests have resurfaced following economic difficulties related to international sanctions. Videos circulating online showed students in Tehran burning national flags and chanting anti-government slogans.
