President Trump has confirmed Iran is in 'serious discussions' with the US following the steady build-up of American military forces in the Gulf. The US president said he hoped negotiations with Iran would lead to something 'acceptable', as tensions between the two countries remain high. Iran's top security official Ali Larijani also mentioned that a framework for negotiations was progressing.

Trump has threatened to intervene in Iran over its nuclear ambitions and after its deadly crackdown on anti-government protests. Iran responded, stating they would 'immediately and powerfully respond' to any aggression by land or sea. Iran is expected to begin a two-day, live-fire naval exercise in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for energy supplies, which has in the past been threatened by Iran in the event of an attack.

The US has warned Iran against any 'unsafe and unprofessional behaviour' near its forces, following the deployment of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln to the region. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized the US military's warnings regarding their naval drills, arguing that they dictate how Iran conducts its own exercises.

Accentuating the tense atmosphere, two explosions occurred in Iran over the weekend, causing casualties and feeding anxiety within the country. As both states navigate this tumultuous landscape, the international community watches closely, mindful of the potential for significant geopolitical ramifications.