Drone Downed as Trump Says U.S.–Iran Talks Continue

US President Donald Trump has said that communication channels with Iran remain open as efforts continue to lower tensions in the Gulf, even after the US military reported intercepting and shooting down an Iranian drone near an American aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea.

Speaking to journalists at the White House on Tuesday, Trump confirmed that discussions with Tehran are ongoing, though he did not disclose where the talks are being held. He indicated that negotiations are taking place through multiple avenues, adding that Iran appears interested in reaching an understanding.

Trump also referenced past confrontations, recalling last year’s US strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities under what was known as “Operation Midnight Hammer.” He suggested that Tehran would not want to see a repeat of such action.

The US president has continued to urge Iran to enter negotiations over its nuclear programme, while also warning of possible military consequences following Iran’s recent suppression of antigovernment demonstrations. As part of Washington’s show of force, the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group was deployed to the region last week, heightening concerns about a potential escalation.

The deployment added around 5,700 US personnel to an already significant naval presence in the area, which includes several destroyers and littoral combat ships.

Despite these developments, regional diplomatic efforts appear to be easing tensions. Earlier on Tuesday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said he had directed the country’s foreign minister to seek “fair and balanced negotiations,” provided that appropriate conditions are in place.