Amid Rising Tensions, US Downs Iranian Drone as Trump Confirms Ongoing Negotiations

United States President Donald Trump confirmed on Tuesday that Washington is engaged in talks with Iran aimed at de-escalating tensions in the Gulf, even as the U.S. military shot down an Iranian drone that approached an American aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea.

Speaking at the White House, Trump stated that negotiations with Iran are taking place “all over,” adding, “They’d like to do something, and we’ll see if something is going to be done.” He referenced last June’s U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, dubbed “Midnight Hammer,” as a deterrent.

The comments came shortly after U.S. Central Command announced that a fighter jet from the USS Abraham Lincoln had shot down an Iranian Shahed-139 drone in self-defense after it “aggressively approached” the carrier with “unclear intent.” The drone was intercepted approximately 500 miles off Iran’s southern coast.

Earlier on Tuesday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announced he had directed the foreign ministry to pursue “fair and equitable negotiations” with the United States, provided a suitable environment exists. His statement signaled openness to diplomacy, though Iran maintains that talks must respect its national interests.

The drone incident was followed by another confrontation in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iranian Revolutionary Guard boats and a drone reportedly approached a U.S.-flagged merchant vessel, the Stena Imperative, threatening to board it before departing.

Despite the military friction, diplomatic efforts continue. A senior Iranian source confirmed to Al Jazeera that talks are scheduled for Friday in Muscat, Oman. Turkish media reported that several Gulf foreign ministers have also been invited to participate.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is set to meet with Iranian officials later in the week. However, analysts remain skeptical about the potential for a breakthrough, citing deeply entrenched red lines on both sides regarding Iran’s nuclear program, regional influence, and security posture.