New Delhi, Feb. 2 -- US President Donald Trump said that Iran is "talking to us" and hinted at the possibility of a deal to avoid military conflict, even as tensions mount over Tehran's violent crackdown on protests and growing military deployments in the region.

"They are negotiating, so we'll see what happens . we have a big fleet heading out there," Trump told Fox News, highlighting the presence of a naval battle group led by the USS Abraham Lincoln off Iran's coast.

Pressed on whether he had decided on a strike, Trump refused to rule it out, saying: "I certainly can't tell you that," but added, "I hope they negotiate something that's acceptable."

Trump also said the US was keeping details of any military options confidential, inclu...