Iran Dismisses Expanded U.S. Negotiations as Trump Teases Second Carrier Deployment

Iran reaffirmed its readiness to engage in discussions regarding its nuclear program on Wednesday, yet firmly dismissed the prospect of wider negotiations with the United States, marking a critical juncture in the ongoing diplomatic exchanges between the two nations.

Amidst this backdrop, President Donald Trump has been vocal about his intentions to pursue these talks while simultaneously escalating military threats, hinting at the potential deployment of an additional aircraft carrier group to the Middle East.

Later on Wednesday, Trump was scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is anticipated to advocate for the inclusion of Iran's ballistic missile capabilities in any forthcoming agreement.

Iranian officials have made it abundantly clear that they consider this demand a non-negotiable boundary.

“We are not seeking nuclear weapons, and we are ready for any kind of verification,” stated President Masoud Pezeshkian during a speech early Wednesday, coinciding with the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution.

Addressing large crowds in Tehran, he also expressed acknowledgment of the "great sorrow" stemming from the government's response to recent civil unrest within the country.