The United States has confirmed that planned talks with Iran will still take place later this week, despite a US fighter jet shooting down an Iranian drone near an American aircraft carrier in the Middle East. The incident has raised fresh concerns over regional security, but officials insist diplomatic channels remain open.
According to the White House, US envoy Steve Witkoff is still expected to hold discussions with Iranian officials, even after two confrontations at sea on the same day. Earlier, Iranian forces also attempted to seize a US-flagged oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, further increasing tensions between the two rivals.
Read more : Iran rules out talks on missile programme, signals openness to …
Meanwhile, the US military said an F-35 fighter jet launched from the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln destroyed the Iranian drone in self-defense. The carrier group was deployed to the Arabian Sea last month as part of a wider American military buildup in response to unrest in Iran.
Negotiations are scheduled for Friday, although both sides remain cautious and divided over the conditions for dialogue. US President Donald Trump has warned Iran of serious consequences if no agreement is reached, while Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian insists talks must proceed without threats.
Read more : Iran army chief warns US, Israel against attack
At the same time, regional players have expressed concern, with Israel’s leadership warning that Iran cannot be trusted in nuclear negotiations. Iran maintains that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, while Washington believes it aims to develop weapons capability.
The talks also come as Iran faces internal pressure following deadly protests and mass arrests linked to economic hardship and political unrest. Human rights groups report thousands of deaths and tens of thousands of detentions, adding further strain to an already fragile diplomatic environment.