Iran Signals Progress on US Talks Amid Trump's 'Panic' Video; Tensions Remain High

• Iran's top security official, Ali Larijani, stated that structural arrangements for negotiations with the US are progressing, despite media hype.
• US President Donald Trump posted a video claiming 'panic' in Tehran with heavy police deployment, which News18 could not independently verify.
• The US deployed the USS Abraham Lincoln naval battle group near Iran, escalating fears of direct confrontation, while Iran warned of missile strikes.
• Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian affirmed Tehran is not seeking war with Washington, emphasizing that conflict would harm all parties.
• An explosion in Bandar Abbas was attributed to a gas leak, not an attack, killing a four-year-old girl and injuring 14, as authorities sought to calm speculation.

Why It Matters: Iran signals openness to talks with the US despite heightened tensions and Trump's confrontational rhetoric.