President Donald Trump announced Monday that the U.S. has begun direct talks with Iran over its nuclear program, with further discussions planned for Saturday. Sitting alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, Trump expressed hope for a diplomatic solution but warned that failed talks would mean “a very bad day for Iran.”
Tehran quickly pushed back, denying any direct negotiations. Iranian officials confirmed only indirect talks, mediated by Oman, and labeled Trump’s claims a “psychological operation.” Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi acknowledged the indirect talks, calling them both an opportunity and a test.
Netanyahu, who flew in from Budapest for the meeting, voiced cautious support for diplomacy. He emphasized that Iran must not obtain nuclear weapons—whether through peaceful means or otherwise.
The U.S. recently deployed B-2 stealth bombers and an aircraft carrier to the region, escalating pressure on Tehran. Trump, who reinstated his “maximum pressure” policy upon returning to office, previously withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal and reimposed sanctions.
Trump declined to detail the location or participants of the upcoming talks but insisted any new agreement would be “different and maybe a lot stronger” than the 2015 accord. He warned that military action remains on the table if diplomacy fails, saying, “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon… It’s getting to be very dangerous territory.”
Netanyahu echoed that urgency: “We’re united in the goal that Iran does not get nuclear weapons.”
