Iran Welcomes Peace Initiatives Amid U.S. Military Buildup

Iran is open to any diplomatic initiative aimed at preventing war and ensuring regional stability, President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The statement comes as Iraq and other regional mediators intensify efforts to bridge the gap between Tehran and Washington to avert a broader escalation.

Despite active behind-the-scenes diplomacy, sources indicate that no tangible progress has been made due to deep-seated differences between the two nations. Meanwhile, the United States has deployed a carrier strike group led by the USS Abraham Lincoln to the Middle East.

President Donald Trump has warned of "grave consequences" following a crackdown on protests in Iran, though Tehran maintains that American threats only serve to destabilize the region.