Trump to be ’indirectly’ involved in Iran-US nuclear talks in Geneva

US President Donald Trump said he will be 'indirectly' involved in the crucial second round of nuclear talks between Iran and Washington to be held in Geneva, Switzerland, Qatar-based media outlet Al Jazeera reported on Tuesday (February 17).

The US president's comments came as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Geneva, Switzerland, on Monday (February 16) local time to attend preparatory meetings for indirect talks with the US.

Tensions are high in the Gulf region surrounding these important talks. The US has already deployed a second aircraft carrier to the region. Meanwhile, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned that 'any attack on Iran could push the situation towards a regional war.'

President Trump told reporters on Air Force One that Tuesday's talks are very significant. He said, “I will be indirectly involved in these negotiations. They will be very important. Iran is a very tough negotiator.”

When asked about the possibility of a deal, Trump said, “After the United States joined Israel in the 12-day war last June and bombed three Iranian nuclear facilities, Tehran understood the consequences of their tough stance. At the time of that attack, there were indirect talks on Iran’s nuclear program, which later collapsed.” However, Trump also indicated that Tehran was interested in a deal this time. He said, “I don’t think they want the consequences of not making a deal.”

Still, major obstacles remain for the success of the talks. Washington has demanded that Iran stop enriching uranium on its territory. In addition, the United States is trying to bring issues such as Iran’s missile program under discussion outside the nuclear issue.

On the other hand, Tehran has always said that its nuclear program is conducted for entirely peaceful purposes. It has said that it is only willing to discuss limiting its program in exchange for the lifting of sanctions.

Iran has made it clear that it will never accept zero-level uranium enrichment and that its missile capabilities will remain out of the question.