Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, met with India’s Deputy National Security Adviser Pavan Kapoor, according to a statement shared by the Iranian Consulate General in Mumbai on X. The meeting comes at a time of escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, which have worsened following strong remarks by US President Donald Trump over stalled nuclear talks. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said a large US naval force, bigger than a previous deployment near Venezuela, was rapidly advancing, describing it as moving with “great power, enthusiasm, and purpose.” He said the force was prepared to carry out its mission swiftly and forcefully if required.

Calling on Tehran to resume negotiations, Trump urged Iran to “come to the table” and strike a fair agreement that would rule out nuclear weapons, warning that time was running out. Referring to a past confrontation, he recalled “Operation Midnight Hammer,” which he said resulted in significant damage to Iran, and cautioned that any future clash would be far more severe. Iran responded through its mission to the United Nations, stating that it remains open to talks with Washington if they are based on mutual respect and shared interests. Tehran also warned on X that it would defend itself forcefully if provoked.

Amid the exchange, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that the US is closely watching Iran’s moves and confirmed that a large naval fleet is heading toward the region. Meanwhile, US Central Command announced it is preparing multi-day readiness exercises aimed at improving force dispersal, strengthening regional partnerships, and ensuring flexible response capabilities to deter aggression and avoid miscalculation.

These preparations followed a meeting between CENTCOM chief Admiral Brad Cooper and Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt Gen Eyal Zamir, which focused on enhancing defensive cooperation. Separately, a US source told The Jerusalem Post that the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group has entered CENTCOM’s area of operations in the Indian Ocean, with reports later indicating that the deployment includes additional warships, destroyers, and fighter aircraft.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from X@IRANinMumbai.