A US fighter jet shot down an Iranian drone that approached an American aircraft carrier in the Middle East on Tuesday. This incident rise tensions at sea and overshadowed plans for nuclear talks.
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt told that US envoy Steve Witkoff still intends to have discussions with the Iranians later this week, despite the clash.
US Military Downs Iranian Drone
The downing of the drone marked the second confrontation between the two rivals in Middle Eastern waters on the same day. Earlier, Iranian forces tried to detain a US-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz.
Washington and Tehran agreed to talks after US President Donald Trump repeatedly threatened military action against Iran. In turn, Iran warned it retaliate with attacks on US vessels and bases.
Rise tensions at sea
On Tuesday, Pezeshkian confirmed he ordered the start of talks with the US, provided no threats involved. This came after Trump show that bad things would happen without a deal.
Iran has not specified where the talks will occur, but mentioned that Turkey, Oman, and some other regional countries are willing to host them. They added that selecting the venue and timing is not a complicated matter. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu told Witkoff in Jerusalem that Iran cannot be trusted, according to a statement from Netanyahu’s office.
The US opposes Iran’s nuclear program, arguing that it is a step toward developing nuclear weapons. Tehran, however, insists that its program is for civilian research. Washington wants to reduce Iran’s support for proxy forces in the region and limit its large stockpile of ballistic missiles.