US President Donald Trump on Monday said Washington was engaged in "good talks" with Iran and expressed optimism that progress could be made, while stressing that there was no immediate rush in the negotiations.
"We're talking with Iran right now. We are having good talks," Trump said adding that there was a "good chance something will happen."
The remarks came hours after Trump told Axios that the US was in "very deep talks" with Iran and warned he was prepared for "strong military action" if diplomacy failed.
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The diplomatic outreach follows Trump's surprise decision over the weekend to suspend a two-week US air campaign against Iran after military advisers concluded the strikes had achieved their objectives. The pause, however, was quickly tested on Monday, with Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Iraq reporting drone attacks that US allies blamed on Iran-backed groups. Saudi Arabia said it intercepted drones targeting petroleum facilities, while Jordan shot down two drones and Iraqi security sources reported multiple drone attacks in the country's north.
Iran, meanwhile, has denied seeking to resume formal negotiations with Washington, though it has said it will refrain from further attacks as long as Trump's ceasefire remains in place.
Trump also touched on US military preparedness, saying the country had "a lot of ammunition" but adding, "I'd like to have more."
Washington and Tehran are expected to continue indirect contacts through mediators as both sides remain divided over key issues, including Iran's nuclear programme and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
(With inputs from agencies)
