Pezeshkian Directs Nuclear Negotiations Resumption Amid US Deployments and IRGC Live-Fire Exercise Denials

MIDDLE EAST - Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian directed officials to resume nuclear negotiations with the United States on February 2, with discussions focusing on conditions without preconditions.​

​Regional mediators, including Oman, Turkey, and Russia, have facilitated efforts to prevent escalation. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei stated that US military action would lead to a regional conflict, emphasizing Iran’s defensive posture.

​The United States positioned the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group in the Arabian Sea, comprising the carrier and accompanying destroyers, to address potential threats. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the deployment as foreign interference contributing to tensions.

The IRGC Navy stated no plans exist for live-fire exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, contradicting earlier state media announcements that prompted US Central Command advisories on navigation safety.

Iran scheduled joint naval exercises with China and Russia for mid-February in the northern Indian Ocean, involving both the regular navy and IRGC units. Tehran city council officials designated sites for potential US casualties, with statements indicating preparedness for retaliation.

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei indicated Tehran is reviewing frameworks for negotiations with the United States, prioritizing sanctions relief and national interests.

Regional mediators contribute constructively, while certain European policies exacerbate strains. Iran references prior US violations of commitments as influencing its position.

US conditions include ceasing uranium enrichment, restricting ballistic missiles, and terminating proxy support. Iranian officials view these as unacceptable, with Araghchi affirming readiness for balanced agreements respecting Iran’s nuclear rights.

Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani noted advancements in negotiation frameworks following consultations in Moscow.

Potential discussions between US Envoy Steve Witkoff and Araghchi may occur in Istanbul or Ankara, possibly including Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

Russia proposed storing Iranian uranium, but Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani clarified that talks do not involve material transfers. Khamenei rejected US demands for dismantlement, criticizing emphasis on enrichment halt.

US Military Deployments in the Region

The United States enhanced its regional presence with the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group, including the carrier and destroyers as follows:

• USS Bulkeley (Destroyer) - Eastern Mediterranean

• USS Roosevelt (Destroyer) - Eastern Mediterranean

• USS Delbert D. Black (Destroyer) - Red Sea

• USS McFaul (Destroyer) - Persian Gulf/Strait of Hormuz

• USS Mitscher (Destroyer) - Persian Gulf/Strait of Hormuz

• USS Spruance (Destroyer) - Arabian Sea

• USS Michael Murphy (Destroyer) - Arabian Sea

• USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (Destroyer) - Arabian Sea

Additional assets encompass EA-18G Growler aircraft in Jordan and THAAD/Patriot systems at bases in Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.

This deployment followed advisories on navigation risks. Iranian commanders characterized it as psychological operations, affirming Iran’s defensive resources.

Iranian Military Activities and Regional Exercises

An Iranian official confirmed the IRGC Navy lacks plans for live-fire maneuvers in the Strait of Hormuz, refuting reports of activities on February 1-2.

​This followed US Central Command’s call for safe conduct to mitigate maritime hazards. Satellite imagery indicates IRGC vessels, such as fast attack craft and the Shahid Bagheri drone carrier, positioned near Bandar Abbas.​

Iran intends to conduct joint naval exercises with China and Russia in mid-February under the Maritime Security Belt series, engaging regular navy and IRGC forces. This eighth edition emphasizes security in the northern Indian Ocean.