Iran escalates regional threats while reportedly exploring nuclear talks with the U.S., as violent regime crackdown on protesters killed thousands nationwide.

Even with US forces poised to strike Iran, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told CNN that he was “confident that we can achieve a deal” on Tehran’s nuclear program.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has ordered the start of nuclear talks with the United States, local media said Monday, after U.S. leader Donald Trump said he was hopeful of a deal to avert military action against the Islamic republic.

Tensions have continued to rise between the two nations after the Iranian regime’s brutal crackdown on nationwide protests left thousands dead.

For nearly half a century, Iran has prepared for a war with the United States. Unable to match America’s military power, Tehran has instead focused on ways to impose heavy costs that could shake the Middle East and the global economy.

The United States maintains tens of thousands of troops and major military facilities across the region, all operating under US Central Command, also known as Centcom.