Trump Signals Indirect U.S. Role in Iran Nuclear Talks as Military Readiness Rises

Monday, 16 February 2026 07:49 PM EST
President Donald Trump stated on Monday he would play an “indirect” role in upcoming negotiations between Iran and the United States regarding Tehran’s nuclear program, which begin Tuesday in Geneva. Trump added he believes Iran is motivated to reach a deal.

“I’ll be involved in those talks, indirectly. And they’ll be very important,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.

Tensions are escalating ahead of discussions as the U.S. deployed a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East. The U.S. military is preparing for the possibility of a sustained military campaign should negotiations fail.

When asked about deal prospects, Trump noted Iran pursued tough negotiations but faced consequences after last summer’s U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. He suggested Iranians now have stronger incentives to negotiate.

“I don’t think they want the consequences of not making a deal,” Trump said.

Prior to June strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities by U.S.-led forces, Iran-U.S. talks stalled over Washington’s demand for Tehran to halt enrichment activities on its soil—a practice the United States views as enabling nuclear weapon development.

Meanwhile, Iran’s civil defense organization conducted a chemical defense drill in the Pars Special Economic Energy Zone to strengthen readiness for potential incidents at the southern energy hub.