Trump will indirectly participate in US negotiations with Iran

US President Donald Trump announced that he will "indirectly" participate in negotiations between the US and Iran on the nuclear program, which are to take place in Geneva. He stated that the talks will be very important and that he believes Tehran wants to reach an agreement.

According to him, Iran has realized the consequences of its hardline stance after the US bombed its nuclear facilities last year.

Tension is mounting ahead of the talks. The US has sent a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East and, according to US officials, is also preparing for the possibility of long-term military intervention if diplomacy fails. Washington insists that Iran give up uranium enrichment, which Tehran refuses to do.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Arakchi said he is ready to negotiate a fair agreement, but not under threat.

The International Atomic Energy Agency is calling on Iran to clarify the fate of its stockpile of highly enriched uranium and allow inspections to resume at the Natanz, Fordo, and Isfahan facilities.

Iran has threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz and has conducted military exercises there. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has described reaching an agreement as difficult.

(reuters, max)