Washington, April 8 (V7N) – President Donald Trump announced on Monday that U.S. officials will meet directly with Iranian leaders on Saturday to discuss the country’s nuclear ambitions. Trump warned that if the talks do not go well, “Iran is going to be in great danger.”

When asked whether the U.S. military could strike Iranian nuclear facilities, Trump stated, “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon, and if the talks aren’t successful, I actually think it will be a very bad day for Iran.” The U.S. last engaged in direct talks with Iran during the Obama administration.

Iranian news outlet Nour News, linked to Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, described Trump’s announcement as a “psychological operation” aimed at influencing both domestic and international public opinion. The Iranian government did not immediately comment.

The U.S. has no formal diplomatic relations with Iran, and past talks have been facilitated through intermediaries. However, Trump emphasized that this meeting would take place at "almost the highest level," signifying direct engagement between the two countries.

Iran has previously preferred indirect negotiations through channels like Oman, which has long served as a mediator. The Iranian Foreign Ministry expressed hope for a U.S. response to Tehran’s proposal for indirect talks, which it described as a “generous, responsible and honorable offer.”

During his first term, Trump withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal signed by the Obama administration and reinstated harsh sanctions. As president for a second term, Trump signed an executive order aimed at increasing pressure on Iran. He also approved measures to sanction Iran further.

In recent weeks, the Pentagon extended the deployment of the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East and ordered a second flotilla to the region as tensions escalated over Iran's nuclear program. Trump has repeatedly threatened military action, stating, “If they don't make a deal, there will be bombing.”

Trump also recently authorized U.S. military strikes on Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen, who have been targeting merchant vessels and warships since November 2023.

Meanwhile, conservative media commentator and Trump ally Tucker Carlson urged caution, advising against military conflict with Iran. He argued that a war with Iran would be disastrous for the U.S., causing significant American casualties and potentially leading to defeat.

(News Source by Reuters)

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