04-02-2026

US-Iran Tensions Escalate Ahead of Nuclear Talks

Date: 04-02-2026
Sources: bbc.com: 1 | cbsnews.com: 3 | foxnews.com: 3 | france24.com: 1 | news.sky.com: 1
Image for cluster 11
Image Source:

Source: foxnews.com

Image content: The main subject or scene shown is a large aircraft carrier. The visible objects and locations include: 1. The aircraft carrier with multiple aircraft on its deck, an American flag, and several antennae and satellite dishes. 2. The surrounding water, where a small boat is traveling. The image depicts a large aircraft carrier anchored in the water with a small boat passing by, with land visible in the background. The aircraft carrier is equipped with various aircraft and communication equipment. The overall scene is set against a hazy sky.

Summary

The US and Iran are on the brink of conflict as tensions escalate in the Middle East. The US military has shot down an Iranian drone approaching the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, while Iranian gunboats have harassed a US-flagged oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. Despite these incidents, both countries are set to hold nuclear talks later this week, with Iran requesting the venue to be moved to Oman.

Key Points

  • The US military shot down an Iranian Shahed-139 drone approaching the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea.
  • Iranian gunboats harassed a US-flagged oil tanker, Stena Imperative, in the Strait of Hormuz, but were deterred by a US warship escort.
  • Iran has requested nuclear talks with the US to be held in Oman, with a focus on bilateral discussions.
  • US President Donald Trump has warned Iran of 'bad things' if no nuclear deal is reached, while Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has softened his tone on negotiations.
  • The US has built up its naval presence in the region, with the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier at the forefront, amid fears of escalation into a wider war.

Articles in this Cluster

US says it shot down Iranian drone flying towards aircraft carrier

The US military has reported that an Iranian drone was shot down by an F-35C stealth fighter jet as it approached the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea. The incident occurred amid heightened tensions between the US and Iran, with the US continuing to build up its military presence in the region. The US has threatened military action against Iran if it does not negotiate an agreement to restrict its nuclear program. Despite this, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that negotiations between the US and Iran are still scheduled for later this week. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned that any attack on the country would spark a 'regional war'.
Entities: US, Iran, USS Abraham Lincoln, F-35C stealth fighter jet, US Central CommandTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

As Iran and the U.S. appear to inch toward talks, one protester calls on Trump to "keep his word" - CBS News

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has signaled willingness to negotiate with the US, instructing his foreign minister to pursue 'fair and equitable negotiations' after weeks of escalating tensions. The potential talks come as President Trump threatens military action if Iran refuses to negotiate a new nuclear agreement. Meanwhile, an Iranian protester, Zahra, calls on Trump to 'keep his word' after his tweets during the recent protests in Iran, suggesting US intervention to topple the Iranian regime.
Entities: Masoud Pezeshkian, United States, Iran, Donald Trump, Ayatollah Ali KhameneiTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

U.S. shoots down Iranian Shahed-139 drone that approached USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, military says - CBS News

The U.S. military shot down an Iranian Shahed-139 drone that approached the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea. The drone was deemed to be 'aggressively' approaching the carrier, despite de-escalatory measures taken by U.S. forces. Hours later, Iranian forces harassed a U.S.-flagged oil tanker, Stena Imperative, in the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. responded by escorting the tanker with a guided-missle destroyer and air support. The incident is part of a larger buildup of U.S. military presence in the region, with President Trump warning Iran against nuclear development and violence against protesters. U.S. allies in the region are urging caution and promoting diplomatic talks.
Entities: U.S. military, Iran, USS Abraham Lincoln, Shahed-139 drone, Arabian SeaTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

U.S. tanker approached by Iranian gunboats in Strait of Hormuz, security firm says - CBS News

A U.S.-flagged tanker, Stena Imperative, was approached by Iranian gunboats in the Strait of Hormuz on February 4, 2024. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps' boats threatened to board the vessel, but it continued on its way under military escort from a U.S. warship, USS McFaul. The incident occurred amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran, with U.S. Central Command confirming the event and stating that the situation was de-escalated due to the U.S. response. Iran denied the report, claiming the vessel entered its territorial waters without permission. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway for global oil and liquefied natural gas transport. The incident comes ahead of expected negotiations between the U.S. and Iran.
Entities: Stena Imperative, Iran, United States, Strait of Hormuz, Iranian Revolutionary Guards CorpsTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Iran requests nuclear talks with US in Oman as Trump weighs options | Fox News

Iran has requested nuclear talks with the US to be held in Oman on Friday, as tensions between the two countries continue to rise. The request comes as President Donald Trump weighs his options on a possible military strike on Iran amid widespread protests and violent crackdowns inside the country. The US has maintained that diplomacy is still the preferred option, with special envoy Steve Witkoff engaged in diplomatic discussions. Iran has also been pressing for the talks to be limited to a bilateral US-Iran format, excluding other regional countries. Meanwhile, the US military has shot down an Iranian drone approaching the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, and Iranian gunboats have attempted to halt a US-flagged oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz.
Entities: Iran, United States, Oman, Donald Trump, Steve WitkoffTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Iran's president softens tone on nuclear talks after Trump's warning | Fox News

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has softened his tone on nuclear talks with the US following a warning from President Donald Trump that 'bad things would happen' if no deal is reached. Pezeshkian had previously accused Trump of provoking unrest in Iran, but later stated that Iran is willing to pursue 'fair and equitable negotiations' if a suitable environment exists. The US and Iran are set to hold talks, with US envoy Steve Witkoff meeting Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Istanbul on Friday, although Iran wants to move the discussions to Oman. Trump has warned that time is running out for Iran and has deployed a large naval fleet, led by the USS Abraham Lincoln, to the region.
Entities: Masoud Pezeshkian, Donald Trump, Iran, United States, Steve WitkoffTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

US military shoots down Iranian drone approaching USS Abraham Lincoln in Arabian Sea, official says | Fox News

The U.S. military shot down an Iranian drone that was approaching the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea. The drone, identified as a Shahed-139, maneuvered towards the ship approximately 500 miles from Iran's southern coast. A U.S. Central Command spokesman stated that the drone's intent was unclear, prompting the military to take defensive action. This incident occurs amid rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
Entities: U.S. military, Iran, USS Abraham Lincoln, Arabian Sea, U.S. Central CommandTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Iran demands Oman venue for US talks as tensions rise in Middle East - France 24

Iran has demanded that talks with the US be held in Oman rather than Turkey, with the agenda narrowed to nuclear issues only, amid heightened military tensions in the region. The US has built up its naval presence in the Middle East following Iran's violent crackdown on anti-government protests. The talks, expected to take place later this week, are aimed at resolving a standoff that has led to mutual threats of air strikes and fears of escalation into a wider war. The US has shot down an Iranian drone that approached the Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, and Iran has threatened to target US bases in the region.
Entities: Iran, USA, Oman, Turkey, Abbas AraghchiTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

US aircraft carrier scrambles fighter jet to down 'aggressive' Iranian drone as tensions rise ahead of talks | US News | Sky News

A US fighter jet shot down an Iranian drone that was flying aggressively towards the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea. The incident occurred as tensions rise ahead of talks between the US and Iran later this week in Turkey. The US military said the drone had approached the carrier with 'unclear intent' despite de-escalatory measures. Iran disputed the US version, claiming the drone was on a surveillance mission in international waters. Later, Iranian forces harassed a US-flagged merchant vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. The US responded with defensive air support, and the vessel is now safe. The incident comes as US President Donald Trump tries to negotiate a deal with Iran over its nuclear program.
Entities: USS Abraham Lincoln, Iran, US, Donald Trump, Arabian SeaTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform