February 5, 2026 l By Dalena Reporters
WASHINGTON / TEHRAN — In a surprising turn of diplomatic developments, United States President Donald Trump confirmed on Tuesday that Washington and Iran are currently engaged in active negotiations, marking a potential shift in tensions between the two longtime geopolitical rivals. The acknowledgment comes as the U.S. military intercepted an Iranian drone in international waters, reflecting the complex backdrop against which the talks are unfolding.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, President Trump said, “They are negotiating with us right now,” without detailing the terms, location, or timeline of the discussions. His remarks followed an incident in the Arabian Sea in which a U.S. fighter jet shot down an Iranian drone that reportedly approached the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group — a key component of the U.S. naval presence in the region.
In parallel, Iranian state media reported confirmation from Iran’s president that he had ordered the start of talks with the United States, suggesting that discussions were initiated at the request of “friendly governments.” An unnamed Arab diplomatic source indicated a possible meeting this week in Oman, following diplomatic facilitation by Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, and Oman itself.
The reported engagement follows a period of heightened tensions, particularly after a recent crackdown on anti-government protests in Iran that drew international attention, and the deployment of U.S. naval assets to the Middle East. Trump’s administration had earlier warned that military action was a possibility if diplomatic avenues stalled, warning that without de-escalation “bad things” could happen.
The drone shoot-down highlighted the fragile nature of security in the region: the U.S. military stated its forces acted in self-defence to protect the Abraham Lincoln and its personnel. No U.S. service members were harmed in the incident, nor was U.S. equipment damaged, according to officials.
Analysts suggest the negotiations, although still early and opaque, could be linked to broader strategic recalibrations involving nuclear concerns, regional security, and economic sanctions. A joint diplomatic push by Gulf Arab states and regional powers appears to be aimed at creating a diplomatic framework whereby both the U.S. and Iran might explore areas of mutual interest or de-escalation.
Observers also note that while direct U.S.–Iran negotiations at this level remain rare, external pressures including economic sanctions and security concerns in strategic zones like the Strait of Hormuz continue to influence decision-making in both capitals. It is unclear whether the talks will lead to substantive agreements or remain exploratory in nature.
The unfolding situation underscores the shifting dynamics in Middle East geopolitics, where military, economic, and diplomatic pressures intersect. With additional regional players involved in brokering dialogue and military postures still active on both sides, the world is watching closely as these negotiations advance or falter in coming days.