Trump Indicates Indirect Involvement in Second Round of Iran Nuclear Talks in Geneva

Washington D.C. - US President Donald Trump has stated that he will be indirectly involved in the second round of nuclear talks with Iran taking place in Geneva. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Monday, he described the discussions scheduled for Tuesday as very important.

“I will be indirectly involved in those talks. And they will be very important,” he said. “Iran is a very tough negotiator.” When asked about the possibility of a deal, Trump recalled that Iran had realized the consequences of its hardline stance last June, and mentioned the US involvement in Israel's 12-day war against Iran, which included bombing three Iranian nuclear sites. US nuclear talks with Iran were stalled following this attack.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has arrived in Switzerland to prepare for the talks. Tensions are high in the Gulf region ahead of the negotiations. The US has deployed a second aircraft carrier to the region, while Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has warned that an attack on Iran could lead to a regional war.

However, Trump suggests that Iran appears interested in a deal this time. “I don't think they want to face the consequences of not having a deal,” Trump stated. Although Trump claims Iran wants a deal, major obstacles remain in the negotiations. The US demands that Iran abandon uranium enrichment on its own soil.

Iran wants to include non-nuclear issues, such as its missile program, in the talks. However, Tehran has indicated it is only willing to discuss restrictions on its program in exchange for sanctions relief. Iran has maintained that it will not accept zero uranium enrichment and that its missile capabilities are off the table.