Trump claims Iran negotiating with US amid tensions

US President Donald Trump has said that talks are underway between Washington and Tehran, even as Iran’s military leadership issued warnings against any American military action.

Speaking in an interview with Fox News, Trump said that Iran was engaged in discussions with the United States, while hinting at possible consequences if diplomacy failed.

“(Iran is) talking to us, and we’ll see if we can do something, otherwise we’ll see what happens...We have a big fleet heading out there,” he said.

Trump reiterated the claim moments later, stating plainly: “They are negotiating.”

The remarks came as Iran’s army chief cautioned the US against carrying out military strikes, amid heightened tensions between the two countries.

Trump also said allied countries in the region had not been briefed on any potential military plans, citing security concerns. Responding to a question about sharing details, he said secrecy was necessary.

“Well, we can’t tell them the plan. If I told them the plan, it would be almost as bad as telling you the plan — it could be worse, actually,” he said.

The United States has already moved military assets closer to Iran, deploying a naval strike group led by the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in nearby waters.

Earlier on Sunday, Reuters quoted Trump as saying he hoped Iran would reach an agreement acceptable to Washington, adding that Tehran was “seriously” engaged in talks with the US.