Trump Signals Indirect Role in U.S.–Iran Nuclear Talks

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Washington: United States President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he plans to take an “indirect” role in upcoming negotiations with Iran regarding Tehran’s nuclear programme, as both sides prepare for crucial talks in Geneva. Trump described the discussions as “very important” and suggested he believes Iran is motivated to reach an agreement.

The planned negotiations come amid elevated regional tensions. The U.S. has strengthened its military presence in the Middle East, including deploying a second aircraft carrier to the area, as a precaution should diplomacy fail. Trump’s comments were made to reporters aboard Air Force One ahead of the Geneva talks scheduled for later this week.

Trump referenced previous confrontations with Iran over nuclear issues, including U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites last year, saying Tehran learned lessons from those events. He also urged Iranian negotiators to be “reasonable” amid tough bargaining stances that have historically stalled progress.

Washington has pushed for stricter limits on Iran’s uranium enrichment programme a key sticking point in past talks while Tehran insists that any curbs on its nuclear activities must be paired with relief from international sanctions. Iranian officials maintain that their nuclear efforts are peaceful, though enriched uranium levels continue to attract scrutiny.

Beyond nuclear limits, the scope of the discussions may touch on broader concerns such as Iran’s missile capabilities and regional influence issues that both sides have signalled could complicate progress. Diplomats and analysts say the indirect format of involvement reflects deep mistrust between Washington and Tehran, as well as internal political pressures on both governments.

Iran’s delegation, headed by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, met earlier this week with International Atomic Energy Agency officials in Geneva to discuss inspection access and transparency around enriched uranium stockpiles part of pre-talk preparations. The outcome of these talks could significantly influence diplomatic and security dynamics across the region.

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