"I will participate in the dialogue indirectly. This is a very important negotiation," US President Donald Trump stated on Air Force One on 16/2, referring to the discussions set to take place between the US and Iran in Geneva, Switzerland today.

He did not explain how he would specifically participate. When asked about the prospect of an agreement, President Trump noted that Iran has long maintained a hardline stance at the negotiating table and faced consequences from that approach in June 2025, when the US struck its nuclear facilities.

The US leader believes Iran is now motivated to negotiate. "I don't think they want to bear the consequences of not reaching a deal," he said.

US President Donald Trump speaking on Air Force One on 16/2. *Photo: AP*

Before the US launched strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities last year, dialogue efforts between the two countries stalled because Washington demanded Tehran halt uranium enrichment. The Trump administration viewed this as an attempt by Iran to develop atomic weapons, while Tehran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.

"We could have reached an agreement instead of sending B-2 planes to destroy their nuclear potential," the US President said, referring to the weapons used in last year's strikes on Iran. "I hope they will behave more reasonably."

Iran and the US resumed dialogue on 6/2 in Oman, marking the first talks since diplomatic efforts collapsed in June 2025.

Despite President Trump's declaration that Iran is seeking a deal, dialogue efforts between the two sides currently face major obstacles. Washington aims to expand negotiations to non-nuclear issues, such as Tehran's missile arsenal, while Iran is only willing to discuss limiting its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.

Iran also does not accept a complete halt to uranium enrichment and will not negotiate on missile capabilities.

Before the second round of talks in Geneva, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that Tehran's goal is to achieve "a fair and satisfactory agreement", emphasizing that Iran will not "succumb to threats".

By Pham Giang, Reuters