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The proposed meeting aims to explore a diplomatic path forward, focusing on a potential nuclear agreement and efforts to end the conflict between Israel and Iran
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. (AP Image)
The White House is in talks with Iran about the possibility of a meeting this week between US envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, American news website Axios reported, quoting sources familiar with the matter.
The proposed meeting aims to explore a diplomatic path forward, focusing on a potential nuclear agreement and efforts to end the conflict between Israel and Iran. Although the meeting has not yet been confirmed, it represents a final attempt by President Trump to shift from escalating tensions toward renewed negotiations.
On Tuesday, US defence secretary Pete Hegseth too said President Donald Trump’s position on the nuclear deal “has not changed” and the question now is “if Iran will take it”.
In an interview with Fox News, when asked about the nuclear deal with Iran amid the country’s escalating conflict with Israel, Hegseth said: “What you are watching in real time is peace through strength and America First. Our job is to be strong. We are postured defensively in the region to be strong—in pursuit of a peace deal. And we certainly hope that’s what happens here.”
Noting the rise in hostilities in the region, the defence secretary pushed for ‘America First’. “America First means we will defend our personnel and our interests. So, when you see jets and air defence assets, that’s because my job, as secretary defence, is that our people are safe and we are strong so that we can set the conditions for a deal.”
He added: “President Trump has made it clear that it’s on the table. The question is whether Iran will take it.”
Hegseth’s assertion comes amid a new round of negotiations between Iran and the United States in Oman being cancelled in the backdrop of Iran’s continued suspicions of US’ intentions.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian recently accused the United States of “dishonesty” for continuing to support Israel while also engaging in nuclear discussions with Tehran. “The Zionist regime’s coordination with the United States in its aggression against Iranian territory in the midst of negotiations is a sign of America’s dishonesty and unreliability,” Pezeshkian told the Pakistani prime minister in a phone call, according to a statement from his office.
On the other hand, Trump remained confident that Iran would eventually sign the deal, warning that the US will be “doing something” as he left the G7 summit early. “I think a deal will be signed, or something will happen. But a deal will be signed,” Trump said.
Speaking to reporters in Canada, he added: “They have to make a deal, and it’s painful for both parties, but I’d say Iran is not winning this war, and they should talk, and they should talk immediately, before it’s too late.”
US REINFORCES MILITARY PRESENCE IN MIDDLE EAST
Hegseth on Monday said America is reinforcing its military presence in the Middle East to enhance its “defensive posture”. “Over the weekend, I directed the deployment of additional capabilities to the United States Central Command Area of Responsibility,” Hegseth posted on X. “Protecting US forces is our top priority and these deployments are intended to enhance our defensive posture in the region.”
According to Reuters, the US deployed a large number of military refueling aircraft and an aircraft carrier to the Middle East.
Britain has also deployed military assets, including fighter jets, to the Middle East amid the tensions between Iran and Israel. “We are moving assets to the region, including jets, and that is for contingency support,” UK PM Keir Starmer told AFP.
Apoorva Misra is News Editor at News18.com with over nine years of experience. She is a graduate from Delhi University’s Lady Shri Ram College and holds a PG Diploma from Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. M…Read More
Apoorva Misra is News Editor at News18.com with over nine years of experience. She is a graduate from Delhi University’s Lady Shri Ram College and holds a PG Diploma from Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. M… Read More
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