Reports: 'Gerald Ford' Off Crete and Evacuation of Dozens of US Embassy Employees in Beirut

SadaNews - The Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran, Ali Larijani, is set to visit the Omani capital Muscat tomorrow, Tuesday, to deliver his country's response regarding the nuclear file. This was reported by the Fars news agency on Monday morning, just two days before the third round of negotiations between Washington and Tehran in the Swiss city of Geneva.

The agency cited a tweet by the head of the Oman Journalists Association, Mohammed Al-Araimi, on the platform 'X', stating that "Ali Larijani is expected to arrive in Muscat on Tuesday, carrying Iran's response regarding the Iranian nuclear file, in a step that reflects the continuation of diplomatic movements and reaffirms the pivotal role that the Sultanate of Oman plays in facilitating communication and dialogue between the Iranian and American parties."

The Supreme Leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei, assigned Larijani in early January the task of effectively managing the state amidst internal protests and escalating American threats of war, according to a report by the New York Times on Sunday. The report, based on interviews with Iranian officials, indicated that Larijani has become the central figure in engineering Iran's military and political preparations for a scenario of comprehensive confrontation.

The Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi discussed the latest developments in the indirect nuclear negotiations during a phone call with his Omani counterpart, Badr al-Busaidi.

The two ministers assessed the progress made in the negotiations and discussed the preparations and technical arrangements for the upcoming round of negotiations scheduled for Thursday in Geneva. They agreed to continue diplomatic communications and efforts to push the negotiation process forward.

'Gerald Ford' Arrives at Crete and Rubio Postpones His Visit to Israel

In a related context, the American aircraft carrier 'USS Gerald Ford' has arrived off the island of Crete in Greece on its way to the Mediterranean Sea to enhance the US naval presence in the region.

In a related context, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has postponed his visit to Israel until next Monday, after it was originally scheduled for the end of this week.

Report: Evacuation of Dozens of US Embassy Employees in Beirut

A Lebanese report published today, Monday, stated that "the US embassy in the country evacuated dozens of its employees today via Rafic Hariri International Airport as a precautionary measure in light of the anticipated regional developments."

The report indicated that a statement may be issued by the US embassy to clarify matters related to this measure and its implications.

Iran Warns: No Limited Strikes; Any Strike Will Be Considered Aggression

The spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Ismail Baghaei, addressed the upcoming round of negotiations with Washington, stating that "any round of discussions based on joint work will yield optimistic results," and emphasized, "We are serious in our diplomatic endeavors because we believe in our rights."

Regarding a question related to a limited strike that Trump is considering against Iran, Baghaei said, "There is no limited strike. Any strike will be considered aggression."

He pointed out that "this is not the first time we encounter contradictory propositions during our discussions with Washington," while denying the validity of Western media reports regarding a temporary agreement with Washington, adding, "What we seek is a clear agreement that is suitable for both parties."

Baghaei denied the existence of a current proposal for a visit by the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, to the targeted Iranian facilities, pointing out that there are discussions and several mechanisms for monitoring the peaceful nature of the nuclear program and ensuring that.

He added, "We are confident in our ability to overcome the crisis, and our people refuse to surrender, and the lifting of sanctions on our country is on the table in discussions with the United States."

Iranian Army: 'The Enemy Is Mistaken If It Thinks We Are in a Position of Weakness'

The commander of the Iranian army, Amir Hatami, stated this morning, Monday, that "Iran is not an easy target, and the enemy is mistaken if it thinks we are in a position of weakness while it is in a position of strength."

He pointed out that "the enemy seeks to exhaust our people and drain them, and we are working to thwart its efforts and we will succeed," adding that "its defeat is inevitable, and America has fought wars in Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Iraq and has come out defeated."

India Requests Its Nationals to Leave Iran

The Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs requested on Monday its citizens to leave Iran, according to the Indian embassy in Tehran, amidst rising concerns over potential US strikes on the Islamic Republic.

The embassy stated via social media, "Given the developing situation in Iran, we advise Indian citizens currently in Iran... to leave using available means of transport, including commercial flights."

The embassy estimates the number of Indians currently in Iran at around ten thousand.

European Union Calls for 'Diplomatic Solution' on the Iran File

The EU's foreign affairs chief, Kaia Kallas, called on Monday for a "diplomatic solution" regarding the Iran file, ahead of anticipated talks between Tehran and Washington and at a time when US President Donald Trump threatens to carry out strikes against the Islamic Republic.

Kallas said ahead of a meeting of the EU foreign ministers, "We do not need another war in this region. We already have too many wars."

She added, "It is true that Iran is going through its weakest phase ever. We must take advantage of this timing to find a diplomatic solution."

The United States demands that Iran fully halt its uranium enrichment activities, transfer the enriched uranium out of the country, and threatens the use of military force against it.

Washington seeks to place Iran's missile program and its support for armed groups in the region on the negotiation table, but Tehran has repeatedly emphasized that it will not negotiate over any issues other than its nuclear program.

Tehran views Washington and Israel as concocting pretexts for intervention and regime change, threatening to respond to any attack, even if limited, and insists on lifting Western economic sanctions imposed on it in exchange for restricting its nuclear program.