President Donald Trump has said Iran wants to make a deal rather than face US military action, despite Tehran's insistence that its missile and defence systems will never be up for negotiation. I can say this, they do want to make a deal, Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday when asked about a build-up of US military forces in the Gulf, without providing details. He had warned Tehran on Wednesday that time was running out to negotiate a deal on its nuclear programme after a large US naval fleet had gathered near the country. Iran's foreign minister said there were no talks planned with the US at present but that Tehran was open to negotiations based on mutual respect and trust. Also on Friday, the Kremlin indicated that the head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss various topics, including Middle Eastern and international issues. Iran maintains that its nuclear programme is entirely peaceful and denies accusations of seeking to develop nuclear weapons. Trump stated that negotiations to avoid military action hinge on two conditions: Iran ceasing its nuclear ambitions and stopping the crackdown on protests. Reports suggest significant casualties in Iran amidst recent unrest, adding complexity to the ongoing geopolitical discussions.