US tells Iran it’s open to negotiations: Axios

• The US has signaled a willingness for direct talks with Iran, with Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar mediating a potential high-level meeting in Ankara between White House envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian officials to avert a regional war.
• While President Trump expressed optimism about a deal ensuring "no nuclear weapons," Iran's Supreme Leader remains defiant, and the ‘Israeli’ military chief has visited Washington to coordinate strategies in case negotiations fail.

The United States conveyed to Iran its willingness to engage in direct negotiations aimed at averting a potential regional conflict, according to senior US officials cited by Axios.

This development comes as mediators from Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar work behind the scenes to facilitate a high-level meeting in Ankara later this week.

The proposed talks would involve White House envoy Steve Witkoff and senior Iranian officials, building on the trio of nations' recent work in brokering a Gaza ceasefire.

US officials emphasized that President Trump has not yet finalized any decision on military action against Iran, leaving the door open for a peaceful resolution.

"We've told Iran through multiple channels that we're open to meeting and negotiating a deal," a senior U.S. official stated to Axios.

However, doubts linger about whether Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will empower his negotiators to strike a viable agreement.

The urgency of these efforts is underscored by Trump's recent orders for a substantial military buildup in the Gulf region, raising the stakes for both sides.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the mediation by "friendly countries" as "fruitful," adding that he sees potential for dialogue if the US commits to a "fair and equitable deal" ensuring no nuclear weapons.

Progress appears to be gaining momentum, with Iran's Ali Larijani noting on X that the "formation of a framework for negotiations is progressing."

Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani recently met with Larijani, while Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi urged Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to greenlight a meeting with Trump officials.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has also been in discussions with his Iranian counterpart regarding logistics and agenda.

Trump, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, expressed optimism: "I hope they negotiate something that is acceptable... They can negotiate a deal that would be satisfactory, no nuclear weapons, etc. They should do that. I don't know that they will. But they are talking to us. Seriously talking to us."

In contrast, Khamenei struck a defiant tone in a Tehran speech, warning that any US-initiated war would ignite a regional conflagration and accusing America of seeking to "devour" Iran.

Trump responded by touting US military might, referencing "the biggest, most powerful ships in the world" deployed in the area, and adding, "Hopefully we'll make a deal. If we don't make a deal, then we'll find out whether or not he was right."

Adding to the tension, The ‘Israeli’ military chief made a low-profile visit to Washington to coordinate defensive and offensive strategies with US counterparts in the event of hostilities with Iran.