As the United States Navy’s Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (CSG-3) continues to operate in the Arabian Sea, Washington is trying to balance pressure on Iran with persuasion. Ahead of high-stakes talks with Tehran, the White House said President Donald Trump remains committed to diplomacy — but is prepared to use force if negotiations fail.

She told reporters the President wants to see whether a deal can be reached at talks scheduled in Oman, while reiterating his demand that Iran have “zero nuclear capability”. At the same time, she warned that Trump has “many options” as commander-in-chief if diplomacy does not deliver results.

The US Central Command confirmed the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 3, the Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), has been carrying out routine flight operations as part of its regular deployment.

Tensions escalated after US fighter jets shot down an Iranian drone that “aggressively approached” the ship in the Arabian Sea on Tuesday.

The US and Iran have agreed to hold talks in Oman on Friday, officials said, despite differences over Washington’s push to include Iran’s missile programme and Tehran’s demand to limit discussions to nuclear issues.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has left for Muscat at the head of a diplomatic delegation to take part in the negotiations, according to the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

Final preparations were under way for Friday’s meeting in Muscat. Washington wants negotiations to cover Iran’s missile programme, regional influence and human rights record, in addition to its nuclear activities. Tehran has insisted the talks focus solely on the nuclear file.