Trump: US Negotiating With Iran After Downing Drone, Warns Against 'Midnight Hammer'

• US President Donald Trump confirmed active negotiations with Iran, stating Tehran wants to avoid another military confrontation like "Midnight Hammer."
• Trump's comments followed the US downing an Iranian drone in the Arabian Sea, which US Central Command described as an "aggressive approach" towards a US aircraft carrier.
• Captain Tim Hawkins reported an F-35C fighter jet destroyed the drone for safety, and later, Iranian gunboats and a Mohajer drone harassed a US-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz.
• Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian directed his foreign minister to pursue "fair and equitable negotiations" with the US.
• White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Special Envoy Steve Witkoff plans to meet Iranian officials in Turkey, with Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei also backing talks.

Why It Matters: Despite recent military incidents, the US and Iran are actively negotiating to de-escalate tensions and pursue diplomacy.