Trump Says He Will Be ‘Indirectly’ Involved in Iran-U.S. Nuclear Talks in Geneva

U.S. President Donald Trump has said he will be “indirectly” involved in the upcoming second round of nuclear talks between Iran and Washington, scheduled to take place in Geneva, Switzerland.

According to a report published Tuesday by Qatar-based news outlet Al Jazeera, Trump made the remarks as diplomatic efforts intensified.

The President’s comments came on Monday as Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Geneva to attend preparatory meetings for indirect negotiations with the United States.

Tensions have been mounting in the Gulf region ahead of the crucial talks. The United States has already deployed a second aircraft carrier to the region amid heightened concerns.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei warned that any attack on Iran could push the situation toward a broader regional war.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, President Trump described Tuesday’s discussions as highly significant.

“I will be indirectly involved in these talks. They are very important. Iran is a very tough negotiator,” he said.

When asked about the prospects of a deal, Trump noted that Tehran had realized the consequences of its hardline stance following last June’s 12-day war with Israel, during which the United States joined the conflict and bombed three Iranian nuclear facilities. Indirect talks over Iran’s nuclear program had been ongoing at the time but later collapsed.

However, Trump indicated that Tehran now appears interested in reaching an agreement. “I don’t think they want the consequences of not making a deal,” he said.

Major obstacles remain. Washington has insisted that Iran must halt uranium enrichment on its soil. The U.S. is also seeking to broaden the scope of discussions to include issues beyond the nuclear program, such as Iran’s missile activities.

Tehran, for its part, has consistently maintained that its nuclear program is entirely peaceful. Iranian officials have said they are willing to discuss limitations on their program only in exchange for sanctions relief.

Iran has made clear that it will not accept zero uranium enrichment under any circumstances and that its missile capabilities are non-negotiable.