By Micah Jonah
January 27, 2026
The United States has said it is open to engagement if Iran chooses to contact Washington, as pressure continues on Tehran over its handling of recent nationwide protests.
A US official told reporters on Monday that Iran is aware of the conditions required for talks, adding that the door remains open if the Iranian government decides to reach out.
President Donald Trump had earlier warned that the United States was prepared to deploy military force if Iran continued to kill protesters or attempted to restart its nuclear programme, although he later said reports indicated that the killings had reduced.
Two US officials also confirmed that an aircraft carrier, supporting warships have arrived in the Middle East, increasing America’s military presence in the region and its ability to defend US forces or take further action if necessary.
While the United States has in the past reinforced its military presence during periods of tension in the Middle East as a defensive measure, it also carried out major strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities last year following a significant troop buildup.
Iranian officials have warned that any attack would be treated as an act of full scale war against the country.
