Trump to engage 'indirectly' in US-Iran nuclear talks, warns of B-2 strikes

President Donald Trump announced Monday that he will be involved "indirectly" in the upcoming US-Iran nuclear talks scheduled for Tuesday in Geneva, describing the negotiations as "very important." Speaking to reporters en route to Washington, Trump said, "I'll be involved in those talks indirectly, and they'll be very important. We'll see what can happen."

Oman-Mediated Talks in Geneva

The second round of indirect negotiations will begin Tuesday morning at the Embassy of Oman in Geneva, with Omani mediation continuing following the successful Feb. 6 round in Muscat. Those talks marked the resumption of diplomacy nearly eight months after an Israeli attack on Iran sparked a 12-day war and suspended negotiations.

Trump: Iran "Tough" but "Bad Negotiators"

Trump characterized Iran as "a very tough" negotiator but added, "I would say they are bad negotiators, as we could have had a deal instead of sending out B-2s to knock out their nuclear potential." He referenced the June 2025 US stealth bomber strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities during the Iran-Israel conflict escalation. "I hope they are going to be more reasonable," Trump stated, while asserting Iran "wants to make a deal" and "doesn't want the consequences of not making a deal."

Sticking Points and Expanded Scope

Uranium enrichment remains central to the impasse: Iran demands Western sanctions relief in exchange for nuclear restrictions, while the US insists on a full halt to enrichment and transfer of highly enriched uranium abroad. Washington also seeks to broaden talks to include Iran's ballistic missile program and regional armed group support—issues Tehran refuses to negotiate, insisting discussions remain confined to its nuclear program.