Tehran reiterated its stance on not negotiating directly while under pressure, but is open to indirect talks, Araghchi was reported as saying.
This accounting is particularly important as America and Israel move closer to an essential, decisive military strike on Iran’s nuclear bomb facilities and missile bases.
The 'Post' learned that the earthquake was not caused by a nuclear test, seeing as the shocks were too close to a deep fault.
Either Tehran will reach a deal with the US and the E-3 in the next two to three months, or it will face global sanctions and possibly an Israeli air force strike.
Europeans have also warned Iran: If there is no agreement by June-July, "a significant wave of sanctions will be imposed," a source told The Jerusalem Post.
"The US wants to link a new nuclear deal with Iran to oblige it not to support Middle East (resistance) groups, but this option will not work," he added.
This comes after an increase in tensions between the US and Iran.
The exercise includes drills on striking maritime targets, damage control, and joint search-and-rescue operations.
Iran has been a daily zig zag of messages, one day trumpeting negotiations with the West as possible, the next day saying its impossible, and the next day saying diplomacy is desirable again.
In a meeting with senior Iranian officials, Khamenei said the aim of Washington's offer for negotiations was to "impose their own expectations," Iranian state media reported.
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