Highlights:
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Trump says he is already speaking with Iran and plans further talks
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Trump hopes military action can be avoided despite US naval deployment
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Iran warns of immediate and wide-ranging retaliation if attacked
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EU designates Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization
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Rights groups report thousands killed in Iran’s recent protest crackdown
President Donald Trump said he hopes the United States can avoid military action against Iran, signaling a willingness to pursue diplomacy even as Washington increases its military presence in the region and Tehran warns of swift retaliation if attacked. Trump’s remarks came amid heightened tensions over Iran’s nuclear program, regional security concerns, and growing international pressure on Tehran.
Trump on Iran diplomacy and military pressure
Speaking to reporters on Thursday (29) while attending the premiere of a documentary about his wife, Melania Trump, Trump confirmed that communication with Iran is already taking place and suggested that further engagement remains possible. His comments followed recent statements from the administration warning that “time is running out” for Iran to alter its course, particularly regarding nuclear activities.
“I have had [talks] and I am planning on it,” Trump said when asked whether he would engage directly with Iranian officials. Referring to the US military buildup in the region, he added, “We have a group headed out to a place called Iran, and hopefully we won’t have to use it.”
The comments reflected a more measured tone after several days of escalating rhetoric. While Trump has emphasized US readiness to act if necessary, he has also repeatedly stressed that his preference is to resolve disputes through negotiations rather than force.
Trump administration deploys naval strike group
The Trump administration has recently dispatched a large US naval strike group to Middle East waters. Officials say the move is intended to deter Iran, reassure US allies, and demonstrate Washington’s ability to respond quickly should diplomacy fail.
Pentagon officials have described the deployment as defensive in nature, but Iran has viewed it as a direct threat. The naval buildup comes against the backdrop of last year’s brief but intense air conflict involving Israel and the United States, which further strained relations between Washington and Tehran.
Iran warns Trump of immediate retaliation
Iranian officials have issued strong warnings in response to the US military posture. A senior Iranian military spokesman said any attack by the United States would trigger immediate and wide-ranging retaliation.
Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia told Iranian state television that US aircraft carriers have “serious vulnerabilities” and that American military bases across the Gulf region are within range of Iran’s medium-range missiles. He cautioned that Washington should not expect any military operation to be limited or short-lived.
“If such a miscalculation is made, it will not unfold the way Trump imagines,” Akraminia said, rejecting the idea that the US could carry out a brief strike and then declare victory.
Trump and regional fears of wider conflict
Concerns about a broader conflict are growing across the Middle East. A Gulf official, speaking anonymously, said fears of a US strike on Iran are widespread among regional governments. The official warned that any war would plunge the region into instability, disrupt shipping routes, and severely damage global energy markets.
Oil and gas prices could surge if hostilities escalate, particularly if Iran targets infrastructure or shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for global energy supplies.
Trump, the UN, and calls for restraint
As Trump balances military pressure with diplomatic outreach, international organizations have urged restraint. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called for renewed nuclear negotiations and warned that further escalation could have devastating consequences for the region and beyond.
Diplomatic engagement has also intensified among regional actors. Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani held talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian focused on de-escalation and restoring stability, according to Qatari state media.
Trump and EU pressure on Iran
The European Union has added another layer of pressure by formally designating Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. EU officials cited the IRGC’s role in suppressing recent mass protests across Iran.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the decision as overdue, accusing the Iranian government of being a regime that “crushes its own people’s protests in blood.” While largely symbolic, the designation marked a significant escalation in Europe’s stance toward Tehran.
Iran strongly condemned the move, accusing the EU of acting on behalf of the United States and Israel.
Trump context amid Iran protest crackdown
The designation follows weeks of unrest in Iran. Protests that began in late December over economic grievances intensified in early January and were met with a heavy security response. Death toll figures remain disputed.
US-based rights groups say more than 6,000 people have been killed, with some estimates placing the number far higher. Iranian authorities acknowledge thousands of deaths but say many of those killed were security personnel or civilians caught in violence carried out by what they describe as “rioters.”
Trump, public sentiment, and the road ahead
In Tehran, many residents have expressed anxiety and exhaustion as tensions rise. “I think war is inevitable,” said a 29-year-old waitress who spoke anonymously. “I am not in favor of war. I just want something to happen that leads to something better.”
As Trump continues to signal openness to diplomacy while maintaining military pressure, the coming days are likely to be critical. Whether the standoff moves toward renewed negotiations or drifts closer to open conflict will depend on decisions made in Washington, Tehran, and key capitals across the region.
