Iranian senior officials visit India amid US tensions, talks held with Deputy National Security Advisor

Mumbai (The Uttam Hindu): Amid ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran, senior Iranian official Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, met India’s Deputy National Security Advisor Pawan Kapoor. The meeting took place in Mumbai, as confirmed by the Iranian Consulate General in Mumbai through a post on social media platform X. The consulate said that detailed discussions were held between Ali Larijani and Pawan Kapoor on a range of important issues.

The meeting is being seen as significant in the context of rising strain between Washington and Tehran. During the same period, US President Donald Trump once again issued a warning to Iran through a post on Truth Social. He said a massive US naval fleet was moving rapidly forward and described it as larger than the fleet earlier deployed towards Venezuela. Trump stated that US forces are fully prepared and capable of completing their mission if required.

Calling on Iran to return to the negotiating table, Trump expressed hope that Tehran would soon agree to a fair deal that does not involve nuclear weapons. He warned that time was running out and the situation was becoming increasingly serious. Referring to past events, Trump mentioned Operation Midnight Hammer and described it as highly destructive for Iran, adding that any new confrontation could lead to far more serious consequences.

Iran responded through its mission at the United Nations, stating that it is willing to engage in talks with Washington based on mutual respect and shared interests. However, in a separate statement, Tehran made it clear that if pressure is imposed, it will defend itself strongly and respond in ways not seen before.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has also shared details of its preparedness in the region. According to CENTCOM, efforts are underway to increase personnel deployment, strengthen cooperation with regional partners, and enhance the ability to respond flexibly to any situation. Recently, CENTCOM chief Admiral Brad Cooper met Israeli Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir to discuss further strengthening defense cooperation between the two countries.

Meanwhile, President Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that the United States is closely monitoring every move made by Tehran.