Washington: President Donald Trump has expressed optimism about the possibility of direct negotiations with Iran, despite the ongoing tensions and mutual threats between the two nations.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Trump suggested that Tehran may now be open to face-to-face discussions with Washington. "I believe direct talks are more effective," he stated. "Things move faster, and you get a clearer understanding compared to using intermediaries. They wanted intermediaries before, but I don't think that's the case anymore."
Last month, Trump sent a letter to Iranian leaders proposing negotiations focused on Iran's nuclear program. At the same time, he has continued to issue threats of military action against the country.
While Tehran has previously rejected direct talks, preferring indirect diplomacy, it remains unclear whether its stance has shifted or if Trump is making an assumption.
The US has intensified economic pressure on Iran, imposing sanctions aimed at crippling its oil exports, particularly to China. Trump had previously withdrawn from a 2015 nuclear agreement that had eased sanctions on Iran in return for nuclear restrictions. Iran insists it is not pursuing nuclear weapons, while Israel, a key US ally, is widely believed to possess an undeclared nuclear arsenal.
Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has pledged to resolve global conflicts but has maintained a mix of diplomatic outreach and threats toward Iran.
"If they don’t agree to a deal, military action will follow," he warned last week.
Iran has responded with threats of retaliation against US forces and interests in the region. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei recently dismissed US threats, warning that any hostile act would be met with a "severe blow."
Iran’s regional influence appears to have diminished due to ongoing conflicts. The killing of Hezbollah’s top leadership by Israel and the downfall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, a key Iranian ally, have left Tehran in a more vulnerable position.
"I think they’re worried, they feel exposed, and I don’t want them to feel that way," Trump said, commenting on Iran’s current position.
