WASHINGTON/GENEVA: United States President Donald Trump said on Monday that he will be involved “indirectly” in the second round of high-stakes nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran scheduled to take place in Geneva on Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump described the negotiations as significant. He said he would play an indirect role in the discussions and called Iran a “very tough negotiator.”
His remarks came as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi travelled to Geneva for meetings ahead of the indirect talks.
Tensions remain high in the Gulf region. The United States has deployed a second aircraft carrier to the area. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, has warned that any attack on Iran would trigger a broader regional war.
Trump said Iran understands the consequences of failing to reach an agreement, referring to last June when the United States joined Israel in striking three Iranian nuclear sites during a 12-day conflict. Those attacks derailed earlier indirect negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear programme.
Despite past tensions, Trump suggested that Tehran now appears motivated to secure a deal.
Sticking Points Remain
Major disagreements persist ahead of the talks. Washington has demanded that Iran end uranium enrichment on its soil. The United States has also sought to broaden discussions to include Iran’s missile stockpile.
Tehran insists its nuclear programme serves peaceful purposes. Iranian officials say they are willing to discuss limits on nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. However, they reject zero uranium enrichment and refuse to negotiate over missile capabilities.
Araghchi said he arrived in Geneva with “real ideas” to achieve a fair and equitable agreement. He added that Iran would not submit under threats.
During his visit, Araghchi also met Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), for technical discussions. Iran had previously reduced cooperation with the UN watchdog after US and Israeli strikes on its nuclear facilities.
The IAEA has sought clarification over Iran’s stockpile of 440 kilograms of highly enriched uranium following the strikes. It has also requested full access to key nuclear sites, including Natanz, Fordow and Isfahan. Iran has granted limited access to undamaged sites but has restricted inspections at others, citing radiation risks.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps launched military drills in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday. The strategic waterway carries a significant share of global oil supplies. Tehran has repeatedly warned it could close the strait or target US military bases if attacked, raising concerns about a wider conflict.
Regional countries have also intensified diplomatic efforts as both military deployments and negotiations proceed in parallel.