Iran’s First Vice President, Mohammad Reza Aref, affirmed that Iran will not initiate war but is prepared to negotiate if security guarantees are provided. Meanwhile, the United States is considering military options against Iran, including bombing its missile factories and nuclear programs. Western sources indicate that President Donald Trump has not yet decided on military action. At the same time, the Revolutionary Guard is conducting live-fire exercises in the Strait of Hormuz.

On Thursday, Aref stated that Iran will not start a war while expressing Tehran’s readiness to enter negotiations, provided it receives “clear guarantees.”

During a government meeting, he said, “We are ready to engage in negotiations, but we want guarantees that we will not be attacked during the talks.”

However, he emphasized the need to prepare for the possibility of war, noting that if war breaks out, “its end will not be in the hands of the enemies,” referring to Washington’s threats of military strikes against Iran.

These Iranian statements came as Western sources told Reuters that U.S. President Donald Trump is considering options to target leaders and officials responsible for violence in Iran. His aides are also studying strikes that would have lasting effects.

The sources revealed that such strikes might target Iran’s ballistic missiles and nuclear programs. They added that Trump is weighing airstrikes on Iran to encourage new protests, aiming to create conditions for regime change in Tehran. However, they noted that Trump has not yet made a final decision on military action.

Earlier this week, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the deployment of a powerful naval force led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in Middle Eastern waters. Trump said the force is “ready and capable” of striking Iran “if necessary.”

Meanwhile, Iranian state television announced on Thursday that the Revolutionary Guard will conduct live-fire drills in the Strait of Hormuz on February 1 and 2.