TEHRAN — Iran’s top security official stated on Saturday, January 31, 2026, that a “structured framework” for negotiations with the United States is “taking shape and moving forward,” offering the most positive public signal from Tehran in recent days amid heightened tensions and fears of military confrontation.
Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, made the remarks in a post on social media, dismissing what he called the “manufactured hype of the media’s war narrative.” He wrote: “The framework for negotiations is taking shape and moving forward. We remain committed to dialogue based on mutual respect while safeguarding our national interests and sovereignty.”
Larijani’s comments follow a burst of diplomatic activity by regional mediators, led primarily by Türkiye, aimed at preventing further escalation between Tehran and Washington. On Friday, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi traveled to Istanbul, where he held separate meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. Araghchi described the discussions as “constructive” and reiterated Iran’s readiness to engage in talks “within the framework of mutual respect and without preconditions.”
Separately, Larijani himself conducted a closed-door visit to Moscow earlier this week, meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin confirmed the meeting took place but provided no details on the agenda. Analysts believe the talks focused on coordinating positions on regional security, the nuclear issue, and potential de-escalation channels with the United States.
The diplomatic flurry comes against the backdrop of sharp rhetoric from US President Donald Trump, who earlier this week announced that a large naval “armada” — including the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group — is moving toward Iranian waters “just in case” military action becomes necessary. Trump has repeatedly warned Tehran to enter immediate negotiations, abandon its nuclear ambitions, and halt support for regional proxies, while pledging to protect anti-government protesters in Iran.
Iranian officials have responded by emphasizing readiness for dialogue but warning of a “forceful and comprehensive” retaliation to any attack on Iranian soil. Military commanders have placed forces on maximum alert, with senior IRGC officials stating that Iran’s conventional and asymmetric capabilities are sufficient to impose severe costs on any aggressor.
The current tensions trace back to nationwide anti-government protests that erupted in late December 2025, initially sparked by economic grievances and currency collapse but quickly escalating into calls for regime change. The US has accused Iranian authorities of excessive force, while Tehran has blamed Washington and Israel for inciting and supporting the unrest.
Despite the public posturing, Larijani’s statement is being interpreted by regional analysts as a cautious opening for diplomacy. Türkiye, which has maintained working relations with both Tehran and Washington, appears to be playing a central mediating role, building on its success in facilitating the 2023 restoration of Iran-Saudi diplomatic ties.
Neither the White House nor the US State Department had issued an immediate response to Larijani’s comments as of Saturday evening. However, US officials have previously stated that Washington remains open to “serious negotiations” if Iran demonstrates genuine willingness to address concerns over its nuclear program, ballistic missiles, and regional activities.
The Supreme National Security Council — Iran’s highest decision-making body on defense and foreign policy — is chaired by President Masoud Pezeshkian but reports directly to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Larijani’s remarks, therefore, carry significant weight and are seen as reflecting a consensus position within Iran’s leadership to explore de-escalation options while maintaining firm red lines.
The situation remains fluid, with military movements, public statements, and back-channel diplomacy all unfolding simultaneously. Regional capitals and international observers continue to monitor developments closely, warning that miscalculation could rapidly lead to a wider conflict in an already volatile Middle East.
