Washington: The White House confirmed that negotiations between the United States and Iran are still ongoing this week, despite the downing of an Iranian drone near a US aircraft carrier.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, White House Spokeswoman Carolyn Leavitt stated in an interview with Fox News that US Special Presidential Envoy Steven Witkopf is preparing to negotiate with the Iranian side in the coming days, emphasizing that “as of now, the negotiations are still scheduled.”

Leavitt mentioned that US President Donald Trump “has a number of options on the table regarding Iran, including the use of military force,” illustrating the continuation of political and military pressure alongside the diplomatic track.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, for his part, indicated that consultations are ongoing regarding the venue for the talks with the US. He added that Tehran has plans to hold negotiations with the United States soon, acknowledging the efforts of friendly countries in facilitating the conditions for a diplomatic process.

He further explained that the venue and timing of the talks are straightforward issues and should not be used as excuses for media manipulation. Countries such as Turkey, Oman, and others in the region have expressed willingness to host the talks.

Earlier, Axios reported that US Special Presidential Envoy Witkopf is expected to meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi on February 6 in Istanbul, as part of the continuous diplomatic efforts between the two nations.

On the military side, US Central Command spokesman Captain Tim Hawkins reported that a US F-35 fighter jet intercepted and shot down an Iranian drone after it approached the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea in a “hostile manner.”

Contrarily, Iranian media, including the semi-official Fars News Agency, conveyed that the drone had completed a “reconnaissance mission in international waters,” challenging the US account of its approach to the aircraft carrier.