WASHINGTON — The United States has signaled it is “open for business” if Iran chooses to initiate contact, a U.S. official said Monday, amid growing pressure on Tehran over its handling of nationwide protests and concerns about its nuclear ambitions.
“I think they know the terms,” the official told reporters. “They’re aware of the terms.”
The statement comes as President Donald Trump escalated rhetoric last week, saying the United States had an “armada” heading toward Iran, though he expressed hope that military force would not be necessary. Trump warned Tehran against killing protesters or resuming nuclear weapons development.
While demonstrations across Iran have reportedly subsided, Trump said he had been informed that killings were declining and that there was currently no plan to execute prisoners.
Two U.S. officials confirmed to Reuters on Monday that a U.S. aircraft carrier and supporting warships have arrived in the Middle East, strengthening America’s military posture in the region. The deployment expands Washington’s ability to defend U.S. forces and, if necessary, take military action.
The U.S. military has historically surged forces into the Middle East during periods of heightened tensions, often for defensive purposes. However, a similar buildup last year preceded U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
In response, a senior Iranian official warned on Friday that any attack would be treated as “an all-out war against us,” underscoring the volatile state of U.S.–Iran relations.
-Daphne Wallis
