Russia warns military clash between Iran and US possible if talks fail

Russia's Foreign Ministry has warned that the possibility of renewed military confrontation between Iran and the United States remains if ongoing negotiations between the two sides fail.

Maxim Maksimov, Deputy Director of the Middle East and North Africa Department, said today that "Moscow does not rule out a return to the use of force," noting that "the US military buildup in the region, which includes three aircraft carrier strike groups and two naval reconnaissance groups, reflects continued military preparations."

Maksimov made his remarks during a session titled "The Knot of Contradictions in the Middle East: Regional Security Challenges," held on the sidelines of the International Collective Security Forum in Moscow.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump confirmed that negotiations with Tehran are ongoing, describing the talks as "very good" in comments to reporters outside the White House.

For his part, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that "Tehran and Washington are engaged in intensive dialogue through intermediaries in an effort to reach a settlement to end their dispute."