Published: 17 February 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online
United States President Donald Trump has declared he will be “indirectly” involved in the second round of high-stakes nuclear negotiations with Iran, as diplomats prepare to meet in Geneva amid elevated tensions in the Middle East. The announcement comes ahead of talks this week that could shape the future of US-Iran relations and global non-proliferation efforts.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said that while he will not take a direct seat at the negotiating table, he expects to play a key role in shaping strategy and outcomes. “I’ll be involved in those talks, indirectly. And they’ll be very important,” he stated, emphasising the diplomatic push with a backdrop of ongoing military readiness.
The negotiations, set to resume in Switzerland, follow earlier rounds of indirect dialogue that reflected longstanding mistrust between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear programme. Trump described Iranian negotiators as tough — and said that past confrontations, including last summer’s US bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities, may motivate Tehran to seek a deal this time around.
While both sides frame the talks as an effort to reduce nuclear risk, the agenda remains complex. The US has repeatedly demanded that Iran curb aspects of its uranium enrichment programme — a central sticking point that stalled earlier negotiations — and hinted at expanding discussions to include Iran’s missile capabilities and regional behaviour. Tehran, for its part, insists its nuclear activities are peaceful and seeks sanctions relief in exchange for concessions.
The diplomatic push unfolds alongside an intensified US military posture in the Gulf, including the deployment of a second aircraft carrier group as a deterrent. Trump and senior advisers maintain that Washington prefers a negotiated settlement but are prepared for alternative measures should talks falter.
Analysts warn that reaching an agreement will be difficult. US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have expressed cautious optimism but noted that Tehran’s refusal to give up enrichment entirely poses hurdles. Meanwhile, Iran’s delegation — described as comprehensive and technically focused — is also pushing back against conditions it sees as unacceptable without clear sanctions relief.
The outcome of this round in Geneva could have far-reaching implications, not only for bilateral relations but for regional security and the future of non-proliferation frameworks. As the talks approach, both sides are navigating a delicate balance of diplomacy and deterrence in a world that remains wary of renewed conflict.


























































































