Top Iranian official says progress made towards launching negotiations with the U.S.

A top Iranian security official, Ali Larijani, claims progress is being made towards launching negotiations with the US, despite President Trump's military buildup in the Gulf.
Larijani met with Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who is mediating between the US and Iran, and discussed a potential framework for talks.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran is ready to resume nuclear talks, but the US must stop threatening an attack, and that Turkey and other countries are working on a framework for potential talks.
President Trump told Fox News that Iran is negotiating, but expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of talks, referencing past failed negotiations.
The US has ordered a massive military buildup in the Gulf, with White House officials claiming that Trump is still willing to explore a diplomatic solution, despite downplaying the prospect of a deal.
Russian President Putin has met with Larijani, and Russia is being used as a channel for Iran and the US to pass messages, indicating a possible backdoor diplomatic effort.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has urged Iran and the US to return to negotiations, stressing the need for a diplomatic solution to the crisis.