President Donald Trump has said Iran wants to make a deal rather than face US military action, despite Tehran's insistence that its missile and defence systems will "never" be up for negotiation.
"I can say this, they do want to make a deal," Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday when asked about a build-up of US military forces in the Gulf, without providing details.
He had warned Tehran on Wednesday that time was "running out" to negotiate a deal on its nuclear programme after a large US naval fleet had gathered near the country.
Iran's foreign minister said there were no talks planned with the US at present but that Tehran was open to negotiations based on "mutual respect" and trust.
Also on Friday, the Kremlin said the head of the Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani had met Russian President Vladimir Putin.
