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US to Hold Direct Talks with Iran, Trump Announces
President Donald Trump announced on Monday that the United States will engage in direct talks with Iran concerning its nuclear program, while warning Tehran of "great danger" if the discussions fail to convince Iran to abandon its pursuit of nuclear weapons.
While Trump confirmed the talks would begin on Saturday, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi clarified that the negotiations would be indirect, mediated by a third party. Araghchi stated on X (formerly Twitter) that high-level talks will take place in Oman, with the ball now in the U.S.'s court.
Trump, speaking after a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, emphasized that the U.S. would deal directly with Iran, expressing optimism that a deal might be reached. "Doing a deal would be preferable to doing the obvious," Trump said. He warned, however, that if the talks fail, Iran would face significant consequences.
Trump's call for direct negotiations follows his recent letter to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Though Iran rejected the offer for face-to-face talks, it remains open to indirect dialogue. Trump has long pressured Iran to dismantle its nuclear program or face dire repercussions, even suggesting military action as a last resort.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, a staunch critic of the 2015 nuclear deal, expressed support for Trump’s approach. He reiterated Israel’s commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, referencing the successful example of Libya's 2003 deal to dismantle its nuclear program.
The announcement comes during Netanyahu's second visit to the White House in two months, where he and Trump also discussed the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, U.S. trade policies, and the broader regional tensions involving Iran.
Trump’s move signals a pivotal moment in U.S.-Iran relations, with both sides preparing for significant diplomatic and economic developments in the coming days.